Vienna’s Heidi Horten Collection Names Verena Kaspar-Eisert as New Director

The Heidi Horten Collection in Vienna has appointed Verena Kaspar-Eisert as its new director. She takes over from Agnes Husslein-Arco and plans to bring fresh changes to the private metart. The institution, which opened in June 2022, has already attracted thousands of visitors with its unique exhibitions and programming.

The Heidi Horten Collection, located near the Albertina, was founded by Heidi Horten, whose wealth grew significantly after 1945. Some of this fortune has been linked to injustices during the Nazi era. In 2025, the museum saw 115,000 visitors, with 53% coming from Austria and 26% from Germany.

Under Kaspar-Eisert’s leadership, the museum will focus on expanded provenance research for around 150 pieces in its collection. So far, 60% of these works have produced verified findings. She also aims to make the collection more accessible while strengthening female perspectives in its exhibitions and programming. The upcoming spring exhibition, Animalia, will explore the relationship between humans and animals through over 100 artworks. As part of the event, artist Alois Mosbacher will create live portraits of visitors' dogs on April 18. Looking ahead, artist Tomás Saraceno has been chosen to design the museum’s 2026 Christmas tree installation. Kaspar-Eisert intends to develop the collection strategically, potentially adding new acquisitions. The Heidi Goess-Horten Foundation provides funding for purchases, though there is no obligation to spend it all. Her goal is to interpret the collection from a contemporary viewpoint while ensuring its long-term growth.

The Heidi Horten Collection continues to evolve under its new director. With plans for deeper provenance research, expanded accessibility, and fresh exhibitions, the museum aims to engage a wider audience. The upcoming Animalia show and future projects like Saraceno’s Christmas installation will further shape its reputation as a dynamic cultural space.