Residence Gallery, Salzburg

The Residence Gallery (Residenzgalerie), a state-owned institution, showcases paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It has a historical connection to the painting collection of Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo, which was displayed in the same rooms during the late 18th century. However, during the French Wars after 1800, the collection was repeatedly looted. Consequently, in the monarchy era, many of the paintings were relocated from Salzburg to Vienna.

The Czernin Collection, which is the focal point of the Residence Gallery, was initially on loan but was eventually purchased between 1980 and 1991. The paintings by 17th-century artists are primarily Dutch but also include Italian, Spanish, and French works. Count Johann Rudolf Czernin von und zu Chudenitz, a law student in Salzburg and a relative of Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo, assembled the collection between 1800 and 1845. The gallery acquired several significant works on permanent loan from the collection of Friedrich Karl, Count Schönborn-Buchheim (1674–1746) in 1956, which mainly feature Dutch and Italian artists of the 17th century.

Why You Should Visit:
Although quite small compared to other famous museums or galleries, the collection is very well curated. The audio-guided tour around the whole complex is very well organized and informative. Each of the items not mentioned in the audio guide has an English explanation on the wall.