International Friends of the Kunsthistorisches Museum host lecture at Austrian Consulate in New York.

On October 31, 2024, the Austrian Consulate in New York opened its doors for the International Friends of the Kunsthistorisches Museum to host a fascinating lecture on Habsburg dynasty portraits. Art lovers from all over the world have joined this group of benefactors to support the Kunsthistortisches Museum’s mission to preserve Austria’s artistic, political and cultural heritage for future generations.

Consul General Helene Steinhäusl was delighted to welcome Sabine Haag, the Director General of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, as well as Elisabeth Reitter, this year’s recipient of the American Austrian Foundation’s Curatorial Exchange Award and co-curator of the Habsburg Portrait Gallery at Ambras Castle in Innsbruck. Ms Reitter’s lecture “Talking Heads” offered the audience a new perspective on the Habsburg dynasty and the role of courtly art for the nobility’s self-expression. It also revealed exciting plans for the 2026 installation celebrating the Habsburg Portrait Gallery's 50th anniversary.

The evening concluded with a reception, giving participants the opportunity to discuss, connect and mingle.