Founded in 1867, the University of Applied Arts Vienna (originally named “Kunstgewerbeschule des österreichischen Museums für Kunst und Industrie” or Arts and Crafts School of the Imperial Austrian Museum of Art and Industry)—we know, a mouthful—was the first of its as an integrated arts school. Over the years the school has trained and hosted numerous artists that would later rise to fame including Gustav Klimt and Kolo Moser. After achieving critical success, members of the Vienna Secession such as Josef Hoffmann, Kolo Moser, Oskar Kokoschka, Heinrich Tessenow and Franz Cizek joined the teaching staff.

The school is now home to over 1,800 students who study a range of arts related topics: architecture, fine arts, design (graphic, advertorial, stage, theater, industrial), conservation and much more. Given the historical import of the institution as well as the breadth of students, the university has been host to many super-star professors including such fashion and design icons as Karl Lagerfeld, Zaha Hadid, Oswald Oberhuber, Maria Lassnig, Helmut Lang, Peter Weibel, Paolo Piva, Jil Sander, Vivienne Westwood…the list just goes on.

In line with the history of the city and its relationship to art, the university promotes critical thought and serious engagement. If only we had the time to go back to art school…