Last week, the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki unveiled a historic exhibition that, for the very first time in Finland, brings together paintings by the Austrian master Gustav Klimt. The exhibition, Gallen-Kallela, Klimt & Wien, runs until early February 2026 and offers a rare opportunity to admire Klimt’s works in Finland and outside his native Austria.
Visiting the exhibition instantly took me back to the summer of 2024, when I traveled all the way from Finland to Vienna, especially to experience Klimt’s art in its true home. The Klimt paintings now hanging in the Ateneum come directly from Vienna’s Belvedere Museum – the very place I visited last year.
Klimt’s Treasures in Vienna
Vienna is a city where art is woven into every corner, from gilded palaces to modern museums. Klimt’s works can be found in several collections across the city, but his most famous painting, The Kiss, is permanently housed in the Upper Belvedere Palace.
On my first ever trip to Vienna, I missed the chance to see The Kiss and left Vienna feeling slightly disappointed. That unfinished business brought me back to Vienna, determined to see Klimt’s golden masterpiece in person at the Belvedere. Though the palace’s façade was covered in scaffolding at the time, nothing diminished the power of standing inside face-to-face with the shimmering canvas that has become one of the world’s most iconic images of love.
The Upper Belvedere – A Palace of Art
The Upper Belvedere is not only home to Klimt’s masterpieces but also a masterpiece itself. Completed in 1723 as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the palace is a jewel of Baroque architecture. Today it houses one of Austria’s most important art collections, spanning centuries and including works by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and many other European masters.
Walking through its grand marble halls, past frescoed ceilings and lavish stucco ornamentation, you can sense the grandeur of imperial Vienna. And then, in a softly lit gallery, you find The Kiss. Surrounded by Klimt’s other works such as Judith and several evocative landscapes, the painting draws thousands of visitors each year, each one captivated by its luminous gold leaf and timeless intimacy.
Gardens of Symmetry and Elegance
The Belvedere is an entire palace complex framed by exquisite gardens. The Upper and Lower Belvedere are connected by formal Baroque gardens inspired by French design. Straight pathways, perfectly aligned flowerbeds, statues, and fountains create a striking sense of symmetry.
From the terraces of the Upper Belvedere, one of Vienna’s most beautiful panoramas unfolds: the gardens stretch toward the Lower Palace and beyond to the city skyline. Seasonal flower plantings add color, while the sculptures and fountains lend an air of timeless elegance. Best of all, the gardens are open to the public free of charge, making them a favorite spot for both leisurely walks and photography.
How to Visit the Belvedere
The Belvedere complex is located in Vienna’s third district and is easy to reach by tram or metro from the city center. Entrance to the Upper Belvedere requires a ticket, but wandering the gardens is free. Many visitors combine the two – first exploring Klimt’s masterpieces indoors, then stepping outside to enjoy the palace gardens, just like I did. Together they make for a perfect half-day experience in Vienna.
A Cultural Gem in the Heart of Vienna
The Belvedere combines everything that defines Vienna: imperial history, Baroque splendor, and world-class art. Whether you come to admire Klimt’s The Kiss, explore the palace interiors, or simply wander through its elegant gardens, the Belvedere offers an unforgettable cultural experience in Austria’s capital.
And now, thanks to the Ateneum’s exhibition in Helsinki, you don’t even need to travel all the way to Vienna to see Klimt’s art. For Finnish audiences, this winter offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step into Klimt’s golden world without leaving Helsinki.
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