Lower Belvedere peels back the layers of paint to reveal the processes and practices behind Gustav Klimt’s art.
- Explores Klimt’s working methods
- Includes his legendary use of gold leaf
- Draws on new technical analysis
- Also reconstructs the colours of the lost Faculty Paintings
- Runs Feb 20 – Sept 7, 2025
- Buy Lower Belvedere tickets*
- See also:
Method and magic

(Gustav Klimt, Water Serpents I, 1904 (minor additions in 1907), infrared reflectography; photo: Belvedere, Vienna)
Arthur C. Clarke’s third law states:
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic
Frankly, great art seems the same. Created by some mystical process involving a dash of genius, a pinch of inspiration and midnight sacrifices to the Gods of Paint and Light.
But, of course, method lies behind the magic.
Researchers, for example, have applied various techniques to look behind the painting and draw out insights on the artistic practices and working methods used by the great artists of history?
Which brings us to the Pigment & Pixel exhibition at Lower Belvedere.
The exhibition offers up some of those research insights in the context of Gustav Klimt’s art. So, for example, we can see where his preliminary drawings differ from the final work (which is, perhaps, where the magic comes in).
One notable highlight is a detailed look at Klimt’s use of gold.
Gustav was not a man to take an inexpensive approach to artistic expression. He applied gold leaf, for example, to create his later iconic works like Judith (on display in the exhibition).

(Gustav Klimt, Medicine (Faculty painting), 1901, recolourisation after historical photograph; Belvedere, Vienna / image by Google; graphic design: SCHIENERL D/AD, Vienna)
Another highlight in Pigment & Pixel is the use of AI and a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture to recreate the colours of Klimt’s three lost monumental Faculty Paintings.
The paintings should have found a home in the University of Vienna back around 1900.
Unfortunately, conservative elements among various parts of society found Klimt’s approach erred on the risqué side of art.
The uproar led to the decision not to use the commissioned works for their original purpose. An unimpressed Klimt cancelled the commission, paid back his fee, and sold the paintings privately.
These extraordinary works of art subsequently became another victim of war: fire destroyed them toward the end of WWII. Read the fascinating full story here.
Only black and white photos remain, which technology has turned into a reconstruction of what the paintings’ colours might have looked like. Thus gifting us the power of time travel and a chance to further admire Klimt’s magic.
I’ll add more details once I’ve had a chance to visit.
Dates, tickets & tips
Go behind the canvas (or at least beneath the paint) from February 20th to September 7th, 2025. A ticket for or from Lower Belvedere includes the exhibitions within.
(Booking service provided by Tiqets.com*, who I am an affiliate of)
For some of the same period, wander up to Upper Belvedere for another Klimt treat: an exhibition around his unfinished work The Bride. Even if the latter is back in storage, the upper palace also has the permanent exhibition with Klimt’s The Kiss and other works.
For more Klimt in Vienna, try this location guide. A top tip is the Leopold Museum, for example, which also houses paintings by Austria’s most famous artist.
How to get to the Klimts
Lower Belvedere is within walking distance of the centre or jump on the 71 tram (to Unteres Belvedere) or D tram (to Gußhausstraße). For more options and details, check the Belvedere directions article.
Address: Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna