The Museum of Applied Arts, or MAK, located in Vienna, Austria, is a unique institution that stands at the intersection of applied art, design, architecture, and contemporary art. Founded in 1863 by Rudolf von Eitelberger, Vienna's first professor of art history, the museum has been housed in its current location, a building designed by Heinrich von Ferstel and completed in 1871, since its inception.

MAK's mission is to explore the shifting boundaries and interrelationships between art and everyday life. It does so by presenting an extraordinary variety of objects, from the applied arts to design and architecture, and from contemporary art to historical artifacts. The museum's collections and exhibitions reflect a commitment to the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and industrial production, between the historical legacy and the future of creativity.

The museum's exhibitions are diverse and often groundbreaking, ranging from focused considerations of historical and contemporary artists to thematic and investigative surveys. MAK has also been instrumental in presenting a number of critically acclaimed exhibitions that range in scope from focused considerations of historical and contemporary artists to thematic and investigative surveys.

Beyond its main location in Vienna, MAK has extended its reach to other locations and the public sphere. One such extension is the MAK Center for Art and Architecture in Los Angeles, a contemporary, experimental, interdisciplinary center for art and architecture that now occupies three of the most important houses by Austrian-American architect Rudolph M. Schindler. Another is the summer project room, Hellvi Ka?nnungs, in a rebuilt limestone barn on the island of Gotland, which has served as an alternative exhibition space since 2011.

In addition, MAK has made its presence felt in the public realm through various installations. These include the "Gate to the Ring" by James Wines/SITE, which physically extends a piece of the museum's outer wall into the urban space, creating a new entrance to the museum. Another is Walter Pichler's artistic-architectural intervention "Gate to the Garden," which opens the museum towards the garden side.

MAK stands as a unique institution in the global art scene. Its commitment to fostering dialogue between art and everyday life, promoting international artists, and nurturing a love for art among the public has made it a significant player in the global art scene. As it continues to evolve and expand, MAK remains dedicated to its mission of supporting and promoting the work of innovative and pioneering artists.