“Never final”—this formula coined by Hertha Firnberg still defines mumok today as a dynamic place of change. Her idea is reinforced by the Museum Talks, an open format that uses interactive exhibition design to open up lively spaces for dialog between politicians, collection researchers, art historians and visitors. The museum actively acts as a platform for collective research, learning and questioning, and visitors can expect a program of discussions in which museum practice and everything it encompasses is made evident as relational work. In this way, the institution not only shows art, but also reflects on and experiences it together.

Dieter Ronte and Marie-Therese Hochwartner discuss aspects of the cultural and collection policy of the 1980s with their discussion partners in Spring & Summer 2025, highlighting different facets of mumok and the cultural policy changes of the last 45 years.

Upcoming Dates

Museum Talks: Pride Special with Ashley Hans Scheirl

Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6 pm

With Ashley Hans Scheirl, we take a look back at the 80s and report on art and concerts at Palais Liechtenstein.
Moderation: Marie-Therese Hochwartner
As part of Vienna Pride.
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Museum Talks #6: Dr. Rudolf Scholten

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 6 pm 

Dr. Rudolf Scholten, Federal Minister for Education and the Arts from 1990 to 1997, gives an insight into the cultural policy of the 1990s and the development of museums during this period.
Moderation: Dieter Ronte & Marie-Therese Hochwartner
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Museum Talks #7: On Occasion of Peter Ludwig's 100th Birthday

Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 6 pm 

A discussion on the occasion of Peter Ludwig's 100th birthday and a review of the cultural policy strategy of the 1980s.
Moderation: Marie-Therese Hochwartner
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Past Dates
 

Museum Talks #1: Dr. Hilde Hawlicek

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 6 pm 

In conversation with Dr. Hilde Hawlicek, Federal Minister for Art, Education and Sport from 1987 to 1990, the formative cultural politician Hertha Firnberg, the cultural policy of the 1980s and the freedom of art will be reported on and debated.
Moderation: Dieter Ronte & Marie-Therese Hochwartner

Museum Talks #2: Dr. Wolfgang Drechsler

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6 pm 

Dr. Wolfgang Drechsler, former head of the mumok collection, talks about the mumok's collection policy, exhibitions and program in the 1980s. 
Moderation: Marie-Therese Hochwartner

Museum Talks #3: Dr. Gerald Piffl

Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 6 pm 

In conversation with Dr. Gerald Piffl, Director of the Imagno photo archive, the development of photographic collections in Austria and photography as a documentation of contemporary history will be discussed.
Moderation: Marie-Therese Hochwartner

Museum Talks #4: Mag. Angelika Doppelbauer

Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 6 pm 

Angelika Doppelbauer, art historian, board member of the Austrian Association of Cultural Mediators and author of the book “Museum der Vermittlung”, gives an insight into the genesis of cultural mediation in Austria.
Moderation: Marie-Therese Hochwartner

Museum Talks #5: Dr. Heinz Fischer

Thursday, June 5, 2025, 6 pm 

Heinz Fischer, former Federal President and Federal Minister of Science from 1983 to 1987, talks to Marie-Therese Hochwartner about the current relevance of the Austrian constitution and the fundamental rights enshrined therein.
Moderation: Marie-Therese Hochwartner