University of Malta Students Explore Vienna’s Artistic Heritage
The University of Malta’s Department of Art and Art History recently conducted its annual study tour, immersing students in the rich artistic and architectural landscape of Vienna, Austria. This immersive experience provided a unique opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage directly with masterpieces spanning from the Late Middle Ages to the contemporary era.
Vienna Study Tour: A Journey Through Time and Art
From March 17th to 21st, 2025, thirty-eight students, accompanied by Dr. Mark Sagona (Head of Department), Prof. Conrad Thake, and Dr. Christian Attard, embarked on an enriching journey through Vienna’s iconic landmarks. The tour itinerary encompassed visits to renowned museums, churches, architectural marvels, and special exhibitions, offering students an unparalleled learning experience.
Key Highlights of the Vienna Art History Tour
The study tour commenced with a visit to the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and its DOM Museum, where students delved into the intricacies of its architecture, sculptures, paintings, and liturgical artifacts. A walking tour of Vienna’s historical center followed, highlighting the city’s urban development, architectural styles, and the transformation of space throughout different eras.
Subsequent days were dedicated to exploring major museums, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Albertina, the Upper Belvedere, the Leopold Museum, and the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts). Students encountered works by artistic giants such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Benvenuto Cellini, Albrecht Dürer, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Caravaggio, Luca Giordano, Mattia Preti, Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, Jacques-Louis David, Antonio Canova, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Emil Nolde, Otto Wagner, Koloman Moser, Joseph Maria Olbrich, and Josef Hoffmann.
Unique Experiences and Cultural Exchange
The study tour also featured special visits, such as a tour of the Gothic Revival Votivkirche led by Maltese priest Joseph Farrugia and a private tour of the MAK’s decorative arts collection by curator Dr. Rainald Franz. These encounters provided invaluable insights and fostered cultural exchange between the University of Malta and Viennese institutions. The group also had the privilege of meeting H.E. Natasha Meli Daudey, Maltese Ambassador to Austria, at the Maltese Embassy in Vienna, to discuss potential collaborations.
Enhancing Art Historical Studies at the University of Malta
The Vienna study tour served as an extension of classroom learning, providing students with firsthand experience of the art and architecture discussed in their courses. This immersive experience allowed students to deepen their understanding of art history within its international context and gain a greater appreciation for the masterpieces they studied. The tour culminated with students preparing presentations based on their observations and analyses, further solidifying their learning.
Discover the World of Art History with the University of Malta
The University of Malta’s Department of Art and Art History is committed to providing students with enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. The annual study tour to Vienna exemplifies this commitment, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with art, architecture, and history in a vibrant and culturally significant setting.
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