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MQ Libelle

Cultural crossroads at MuseumsQuartier's central plaza featuring diverse architectural styles.

Portrait of Adriana at MQ Libelle Vienna showcasing contemporary design and urban photography location.

Evening atmosphere at Libelle bar Vienna with illuminated terrace and vibrant nightlife scene at MQ.

Adriana at MQ Libelle Vienna with distinctive curved glass structure.

View from MQ Libelle terrace overlooking Museumsquartier Vienna with historic baroque buildings and modern museum architecture.

MQ Libelle
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MQ Libelle

 MapGoogle Maps: 4.4/5 (681 reviews) Temporarily Closed

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Constructed in 2020, the MQ Libelle is located on the Leopold Museum in the heart of Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier. Architects Laurids Ortner and Manfred Ortner from O&O Baukunst designed it, incorporating persistent artistic efforts by Brigitte Kowanz and Eva Schlegel. It is accessible to the public at no cost via an exterior elevator. The MQ Libelle functions as a venue for events, a cultural hub, a terrace offering expansive views, and a relaxation space for visitors.

€€€ High End Outdoor Dining Panoramic Views Rooftop Bar

 +43 1 5235881  Website Wheelchair AccessSource: Google Maps

Address:
Museumsplatz 1
1070 Wien

Bar

Nightlife

Muvamo Opinion

Honored with the Muvamo Award for art, design, and panoramic views.

Ascending to the rooftop of the Leopold Museum, you arrive at Libelle, an oasis located above the bustling city. The pavilion is called “Libelle” (dragonfly) because its airy, wing-like canopy seems to hover above the roof like a dragonfly in flight. Highlights of this location are a glass structure and iconic lighting fixtures on the terrace. The beautiful panoramas of Vienna’s historic skyline, alongside contemporary art installations, create a wonderful scene. The structure itself is modern and minimal, with a transparent canopy that resembles dragonfly wings (hence the name “Libelle”). It filters sunlight beautifully, casting soft shadows across the terrace. There’s a sense of openness and calm up here that contrasts with the busier courtyards below.

The terrace overlooks Vienna’s historic center – from here, you can spot the Hofburg, the twin museums on Maria-Theresien-Platz, and even the spire of Stephansdom in the distance. It’s especially impressive at sunset, when the rooftops are bathed in golden light.

While the terrace itself is free and open to the public, there’s also a small rooftop café and bar that operates seasonally. You can sit with a coffee, a glass of wine, or a spritz while soaking in the view – a lovely bonus for those who want to linger a bit longer. That said, you’re also free to simply walk around, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos without ordering anything.

Evenings bring a special charm to MQ Libelle, with the setting sun casting golden hues over the city and the installations. It’s a perfect spot for photographers and romantic souls alike, offering a serene retreat from the urban rush below.

Helpful Hints

Best Time to Visit: Early evening to catch the golden hour light.
Accessibility: Elevator available for easy access to the rooftop.
Photography: Allowed, so bring your camera for some stunning shots!
The Libelle terrace is closed during the winter.

Gastronomic Discoveries

Drinks: Enjoy a refreshing drink from the rooftop bar.
After your rooftop visit, head to Ribelli at the nearby 25hours Hotel (5 min walk). It’s a lively, design-forward Italian eatery with Neapolitan-style pizzas, antipasti to share, and a fantastic interior. Ideal for late lunch or an early dinner.

Our Little Extras

The MQ area below is constantly evolving – with pop-up exhibitions, outdoor installations, summer concerts, and weekend design markets. There’s almost always something happening, and it’s worth checking the current program at mqw.at/en/program before your visit.

Adriana and Mario cheering with glasses at MQ Libelle Vienna.

Adriana posing at MQ Libelle Vienna with modern glass architecture and beautiful museum quarter backdrop.

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The Dragonfly Above Vienna: History of MQ Libelle

The MQ Libelle is a relatively recent addition to Vienna’s cultural heart, yet it already feels like an essential part of the city’s rhythm. Completed in 2020, it crowns the Leopold Museum, one of the MuseumsQuartier’s anchor institutions. The vision behind Libelle was to create a new kind of public space, and a living platform for cultural exchange, urban recreation, and artistic expression.

The name “Libelle” (German for dragonfly) speaks to the architectural elegance of the space. The roof is a lightweight steel-and-glass pavilion. Its curved glass façade is over-printed with 2.4 million silvery dots by artist Eva Schlegel, giving it a gossamer, wing-like appearance. Architects Laurids and Manfred Ortner, who originally designed the MuseumsQuartier, returned to conceive this addition. Their design is both futuristic and harmoniously integrated with the existing museum complex.

Industrial design elements at MQ Libelle Vienna with exposed structural components and contemporary urban architecture. — Dragonfly wings and skyline views at MQ Libelle.

Vienna has long excelled at blending history with innovation, and MQ Libelle captures this spirit beautifully. Here, you’re standing atop a building that houses early 20th-century masterpieces, looking out at imperial architecture, all while enjoying a structure rooted in contemporary design.

The space is also used for exhibitions and artistic programming curated by the MuseumsQuartier team, especially during the warmer months. From dance performances to light installations, Libelle serves as a floating stage for ideas and expression. It’s a statement: that culture should be accessible, elevated, and open to all.