The Journey Toward Sustainable Art
For 250 years, the ALBERTINA has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing art. This cultural mission also comes with a responsibility for the future. Our goal is to continuously reduce the environmental footprint of our museums without compromising the presentation and preservation of art. Learn more about our sustainability goals and initiatives here.
- OUR SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPT IN BRIEF
As one of Austria’s leading art museums, the ALBERTINA Museum opens its doors to visitors 365 days a year. People from all over the world are thus afforded year-round, barrier-free access to one-of-a-kind artworks, an experience that addresses the intellect and the senses in equal measure.
In this spirit, the ALBERTINA Museum is mindful of its mission as a bearer of cultural responsibility and declares its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2015.
Our Emphases at a Glance:
Ensuring access to high-quality education in the realm of art and culture.
The ALBERTINA Museum does justice to this intent not only by opening its halls but also through educational guided tours and children’s master classes.
Protecting our employees’ physical and mental health and ensuring their well-being.
This includes making available both occupational healthcare and psychological support as well as life phase-oriented working hours, courses on health-related topics, and childcare.
Promoting equality by setting a good example.
The inclusive working atmosphere at the ALBERTINA Museum is reflected in the diversity of our staff. Furthermore, a well-cultivated combination of designated confidantes and human resource management offers safe places to turn to whenever conflicts do arise.
Practicing a responsible approach to resource consumption.
The establishment of a high-quality consumption monitoring system permits the step by step optimization of our energy use. Problems can thus be rapidly identified and corrected, ensuring an efficient approach.
A Living Commitment to Climate Neutrality
Austrian Ecolabel certification, a commitment to CO2 neutrality and the consequent assessment of our CO2 footprint, the conduct of a sweeping energy audit, and the complete modernization of our in-house measurement and control technology are just a few examples of how the ALBERTINA Museum is working actively to protect the Earth’s climate.It’s a journey of many steps…
…that we’ve set out on together in order to ensure a better future for us all. The ALBERTINA Museum invites you to come along with us and thereby help to preserve the environment, art, and culture.Our Sustainability Concept (PDF, 143 kB)
Reduction of Emissions
We continuously track our CO₂ emissions to identify where the greatest potential for reductions lies. Based on these findings, we develop targeted measures to reduce emissions-intensive processes and advance the ALBERTINA’s path toward climate neutrality. Here, we provide an overview of our carbon footprint:
The significant decrease in 2025 is primarily due to the transition to certified renewable elctricity, as well as changes in the calculation methodology and updates emission factors.
Certified Environmentally Conscious
An important milestone on our journey toward greater sustainability was receiving the Austrian Ecolabel in 2023. As part of the certification process, our measures and processes were comprehensively assessed against the criteria for sustainable arts and cultural institutions.
The certification recognizes our commitment while also motivating us to continuously advance our sustainability efforts.
Further information: Austrian Ecolabel Criteria
Sustainability on Many Levels
As a cultural institution, the ALBERTINA takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability. In addition to the responsible use of environmental and natural resources, we are committed to equal opportunities and a positive working environment.
Social Sustainability
- Advancement plan for women and equalitA Seal of Quality
- Equal opportunities officer and income reports
Energy and Resources
- Modernization of climate control systems
- Transition to 100% certified renewable electricity
- Conversion to energy-efficient LED lighting
- Expansion of energy monitoring and smart metering infrastructure
In addition, we are working to reduce waste and packaging materials and to raise environmental awareness among our employees and visitors.
A Path We Travel Together
In the interest of reaching our goals, we’re also looking to receive your input. If you’d like to say something to us about sustainability at the ALBERTINA Museum, please do so via the following channels:
Other ways in which you can support our efforts:
- Use environmentally friendly ways to get here like the local public transportation network (Wiener Linien) or one of Vienna’s numerous well-maintained bike routes (Bike Citizens – Bike Route Planner).
- Place trash in the appropriate waste receptacles that we provide at the museum.
- Consider staying at an environmentally certified hotel while you’re here.
- Purchase your ticket online to help save paper.
We thank you for your commitment and look forward to your visit!