Its outstanding, internationally significant collection of exhibits from the fields of handicrafts, art, design, graphics, architecture, fashion, and much more reflects the design of our living environment through the objects we interact with on a daily basis. The institution was founded in 1864 as the Imperial and Royal Austrian Museum for Art and Industry and, like all arts and crafts museums of the era, was intended to serve as a model collection for artists, industrialists, and craftspeople. The affiliated School of Arts and Crafts—today the University of Applied Arts—was founded in 1867.

The MAK has been associated with J. & L. Lobmeyr since its founding. Ludwig Lobmeyr (1829–1917), son of the Lobmeyr founder, worked as a curator at the museum in its early days, and was in close contact with the professors at the School of Arts and Crafts. Numerous works of glass and design drawings by Lobmeyr are represented in the museum’s various collections. On the occasion of J. & L. Lobmeyr’s 200th anniversary, the MAK is honouring the company with a large exhibition running from 7 June to 24 September 2023.