We are in the most magnificent year of the creative energy rising from Maria Gugging, just outside Vienna. As museum gugging celebrates the 20th anniversary of its opening this year, it is once again leaving its mark on the Art Brut world with a monumental retrospective that encompasses the entire exhibition space.
The Gugging artists have been regarded as the guiding polar stars of contemporary Austrian art on an international scale since the post-war period. This pure and unfiltered form of expression, which founding figure Jean Dubuffet defined as “Art Brut”, continues to surprise visitors in 2026 by spreading into every corner of the museum.
20 Years, 20 Artists and Two Major Birthdays
At the heart of this year’s jubilee exhibition are 20 artists who have shaped the Gugging legacy. However, 2026 also carries special significance beyond the museum’s birthday, marking the anniversaries of two major names:
Johann Hauser: 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the artist’s birth. His works take centre stage in the exhibition.
August Walla: This year marks the 90th anniversary of Walla’s birth.
Haus der Künstler (House of Artists): The 40th anniversary of this legendary formation also forms one of the main themes of the exhibition.
The museum positions this jubilee not merely as a celebration, but also as a driving force for transparency, openness and inclusive museum practice.
Guggkasten: The New Stop for Dynamic Discoveries
The most dynamic element of the jubilee exhibition is the “guggkasten”, conceived as a separate exhibition room within the museum. This space keeps the programme fresh by hosting different artists and perspectives throughout the year:
Tex Rubinowitz | “Stickstoff”: (15 March – 14 June 2026)
Rubinowitz, who opens the jubilee, transforms discarded textiles into works of art using an antique sewing machine.
Atelier Gugging | “das atelier-ICH”: (Opening: 20 June 2026)
Opening in June on the museum’s actual birthday with a giant birthday pARTy, this exhibition looks into the inner world of the studio.
Ingolf Ebeling | “der sonnenstrahlenmillionär”: (14 September – 15 November 2026)
Will meet visitors in September.
Michaela Polacek | “das kratzienbouquet”: (23 November 2026 – 17 January 2027)
Will close the year with a special “ARTvent” atmosphere for the winter period.
