The magnificent building on Vienna's Ringstrasse which was opened in 1891 is at once one of the most important examples of museum architecture in Europe and an outstanding document of the Habsburg dynasty's imperial self-representation. This new monograph on the history, architecture and decoration of Kunsthistorisches Museum presents the building's wealth of painted, sculptural and architectonic decoration vividly and with methodic attention to detail. The work includes a brief review of the historical development of museums, construction of the Ringstrasse from 1857, and plans for the Kaiserforum or Imperial Forum.It is also recounts the story of the stormy relationship between the architects Gottfried Semper and Carl von Hasenauer in their quest for a common artistic statement. Extraordinary and, in large part, new photographic material makes the book an excellent practical guide and equally allows the armchair visitor to experience the museum in all its splendour.