The Kiss Painting by Gustav Klimt
A Must-See Masterpiece at Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace in Vienna is home to some of Austria’s finest art, but The Kiss by Gustav Klimt stands out as its most iconic treasure.
Most of the visitors book their Belvedere tickets specifically to experience The Kiss in person.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why The Kiss is such a celebrated masterpiece, what it represents, where exactly you can find it, and tips to plan your visit around this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Belvedere Palace welcomes thousands daily, so booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. The Upper Belvedere ticket includes Klimt’s “The Kiss, while the Lower Belvedere ticket grants access to temporary exhibitions. Modern art lovers? Book Belvedere 21. Want to learn more? Join a guided tour for expert insights and stories.
About Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was one of Austria’s most influential and unconventional artists. A leader of the Vienna Secession movement, Klimt broke away from traditional academic art and explored new styles combining symbolism, eroticism, and gold leaf.
His work often focused on themes of love, sensuality, life, and death, rendered in elaborate, decorative patterns.
Klimt is especially renowned for his Golden Phase, during which he produced The Kiss.
The Kiss: The Painting
- Title: The Kiss (Der Kuss)
- Artist: Gustav Klimt
- Year: 1907–1908
- Medium: Oil and gold leaf on canvas
- Dimensions: 180 cm x 180 cm (approx. 5.9 ft x 5.9 ft)
- Current Location: Room 7 (Vienna 1900″ section), Upper Belvedere, Vienna
Klimt created The Kiss at the height of his career during his Golden Phase. The painting depicts a couple in a close embrace, kneeling in a meadow, their bodies draped in elaborately patterned robes that merge into a single golden form.
The background glows with a shimmering gold leaf, making the figures appear otherworldly and sacred.
Why The Kiss Is So Famous
- The embrace symbolizes universal love and intimacy, making it one of the most romantic paintings in Western art.
- The ornamental detailing and symbolism capture the essence of the Art Nouveau movement.
- Klimt used gold leaf innovatively, inspired by Byzantine mosaics, to give the painting a luminous, iconic presence.
- It’s among the most reproduced and admired paintings in the world, often considered a symbol of Viennese elegance and beauty.
Where to Find The Kiss at Belvedere
The Kiss is housed in Room 7 of (Vienna 1900″ section) the Upper Belvedere, a grand Baroque palace that has been converted into a world-class art museum.
It is displayed under climate-controlled lighting and behind protective glass to preserve its delicate gold elements.
Look for signs pointing to the Gustav Klimt Collection, which also includes other major works such as:
- Judith and the Head of Holofernes
- The Bride (unfinished painting by Klimt)
- Portrait of Fritza Riedler
- The Beethoven Frieze (a reproduction; original is elsewhere)
When to See Klimt’s The Kiss in Peace? The painting draws a huge crowd daily. For an unhurried view, be among the first to enter Upper Belvedere at 9 am. Avoid late mornings and early afternoons—it’s nearly always packed then. If you’re visiting late in the day, aim to reach the Klimt Room (Vienna 1900″ section) by 5 pm.
The Experience of Viewing The Kiss
Walking into Room 7 of the Upper Belvedere is a moment many travelers never forget. The painting glows under soft lighting, surrounded by silence and awe. Most visitors stand quietly, often smiling or whispering, captivated by the timeless image of love.
It’s not uncommon to see couples holding hands or taking a moment together in front of the painting. The ambiance enhances the emotional impact, making the encounter with The Kiss deeply memorable.
Ticket Options That Include The Kiss
To view The Kiss, you need a ticket that grants entry to the Upper Belvedere. Here are the most common ticket options:
| Ticket Type | What It Includes | Price (approx.) |
| Upper Belvedere Entry Ticket | Access to The Kiss and permanent exhibitions | €18 |
| Combo: Upper + Lower Belvedere | Full access to both palace museums | €36 |
| Belvedere + Klimt Guided Tour | Art historian-led tour focused on Klimt’s works | €165 |
| Upper Belvedere Guided Tour | Find out the ancient story that inspired The Kiss by Klimt | €62 |
| Vienna Pass | Includes Belvedere plus other city attractions | From €99 (Varies by duration) |
Best Time to Visit The Kiss
- Visiting early in the morning, around 10 am, offers fewer crowds and more time to stand and admire the painting.
- Weekdays are ideal since weekends tend to attract larger tour groups.
- The off-season from November to March sees lower tourist footfall, allowing a quieter viewing experience.
Historical Context & Reception of The Kiss
When The Kiss was first exhibited in 1908 at the Kunstschau Wien (Vienna Art Show), it was met with awe and admiration.
It was immediately acquired by the Austrian state, a rare honor at the time, and hailed as a national treasure.
The painting marked a turning point in modern art appreciation in Vienna and became a symbol of the country’s cultural pride.
Symbolism & Meaning of The Kiss
In The Kiss, the male figure is adorned in black and white geometric patterns, often interpreted as strength and structure, while the female figure is surrounded by soft floral motifs representing emotion, fertility, and nature.
The setting, a meadow of flowers beneath their knees, suggests the unity of human passion and natural beauty.
The couple’s faces and hands are realistically painted, offering contrast to the golden, symbolic abstraction around them. The overall effect blends sensuality, spirituality, and timeless connection.
Visual Analysis & Style of The Kiss
Klimt’s use of a flat, two-dimensional perspective and the decorative gold background reflects his fascination with Japanese woodblock prints and Byzantine religious art.
The merging of bodies into a single ornamental form speaks to a universal idea of oneness in love.
The combination of realism (in the faces and hands) with ornamental abstraction creates a powerful juxtaposition that captivates viewers.
FAQs About The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
Here are some frequently asked questions about Klimt’s The Kiss painting:
Is The Kiss real gold?
Yes, the painting uses actual gold leaf, giving it its iconic shimmer.
Can I take photos of The Kiss?
Photography is allowed, but without flash. Tripods are not permitted.
How long should I spend at The Kiss?
Most visitors spend 10–20 minutes, but art enthusiasts may linger longer to admire details.
Is The Kiss available in prints or merchandise?
Yes, the Belvedere Museum shop and online stores sell posters, postcards, books, and more.
Is The Kiss Klimt’s last work?
No, but it is considered the peak of his Golden Phase and arguably his most influential work.
Can I book skip-the-line access to see The Kiss?
Yes, the Upper Belvedere entry tickets and guided tours have skip-the-line access.
Is The Kiss suitable for children to view?
Yes. The painting shows a loving couple, but it’s done in a respectful and artistic way, so it’s perfectly fine for children to see.
Are there any Klimt exhibitions beyond The Kiss at the Belvedere?
Yes. The Klimt section includes many early and late works. Temporary exhibitions may also feature related artists.
