In a city rich with art museums, Leopold usually makes it onto recommendations lists, but is rarely the top priority for first time visitors, overshadowed by Kunsthistorisches, Belvedere and Albertina. I almost didn’t visit Leopold. I had walked by many times in my first couple of days in the city, but I didn’t end up getting to it until my last day and I’m so glad I did.

Located within the cultural hub and general hang out spot of MuseumsQuartier, Leopold is in good company. The collection began with Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold, two ophthalmologists who spent five decades collecting Austrian art. In 2001, their collection was introduced to the public as a museum in this bright limestone cube. The minimalist space offers an airy yet intimate backdrop to experience the art up close.