The Albertina Modern in Vienna opened Austria's first comprehensive retrospective of renowned performance artist Marina Abramović on the evening of November 19, 2025. The exhibition, developed in collaboration with the Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien, traces the artistic evolution of Abramović across more than five decades of groundbreaking work.
The comprehensive showcase features historical performances, reenactments, as well as cinematic and sculptural works, inviting visitors to actively participate in performative roles themselves. The exhibition represents a major cultural milestone for Austria's art scene, bringing together decades of the Serbian-American artist's pioneering work in performance art.
The evening's festivities began at 6:00 PM with an exclusive preview for invited guests at the Albertina Modern. Following the private viewing, art enthusiasts moved from the modern exhibition building to the historic Albertina Palace, where the elegant Muses Hall filled with distinguished attendees.
The official opening ceremony commenced promptly at 7:30 PM, complete with simultaneous translation and audio transmission to the Yellow Salon for overflow guests who couldn't find seats in the main hall. Albertina Director Ralph Gleis opened the evening with welcoming remarks, followed by greetings from Wolfgang Schilk, Chief Risk Officer of Bank Austria, and Ingried Brugger.
A highlight of the program featured an artist talk between Marina Abramović and curator Bettina Busse, who conceived the exhibition. Busse's presentation strategically focused on central themes of participation, communication, and energy that define Abramović's revolutionary approach to performance art.
The guest list included numerous representatives from Austria's art and cultural scene, including acclaimed artists Valie Export, Xenia Hausner, Elfie Semotan, and Eva Schlegel. Notable attendees also included Eva Dichand, publisher of "Heute," and former Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer, making a rare public appearance.
After the formal ceremonies concluded at 8:30 PM, the celebration moved to the festively decorated rooms of the palace. While most guests enjoyed a flying dinner on the ladies' side, Abramović and a select group of approximately ten VIPs participated in a seated dinner in the Grand Spanish Apartment, where large and small round gala tables created an intimate atmosphere for conversation.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until March 1, 2026, at the Albertina Modern, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to experience one of the most influential performance artists of our time in Austria's premier modern art venue.
