Ars Electronica Tickets: Festival Passes, Center Entry & Savings
Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria, is two experiences in one: a year-round museum called the Ars Electronica Center and an annual festival every September. The Center is often dubbed the Museum of the Future, while the festival draws artists and technologists from around the world. For first-time visitors, understanding the difference is key to picking the right ticket. The 2026 festival runs from September 9 to 13, so planning ahead matters if you want to attend.
This guide covers the main ticket types: standard admission to the Center, full-year passes, and festival passes like FESTIVALPASS+ and DAYPASS. We also highlight discounts for students, seniors, families, and special groups, plus free entry options. You'll learn how to buy tickets through official channels and what to know about resale and refunds.
Note that prices and offerings for the 2026 festival have not been fully announced. We'll explain the typical structure based on past events, so you know what to expect when official ticket sales begin.
What Ticket Options Exist for the Ars Electronica Festival?
The festival offers several passes, each tailored to different needs. The top tier is the FESTIVALPASS+, which historically grants access to all festival locations, exhibitions, conferences, performances, and workshops, along with special events like the Big Concert Night. A standard FESTIVALPASS covers similar access but excludes certain concerts, which require separate tickets. The DAYPASS is ideal for a single-day visit, while the POSTCITY Exhibition Ticket is the budget option for exploring just the main exhibition venue.
Ars Electronica Center: Standard Museum Admission and Opening Hours
The Ars Electronica Center is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, with Mondays closed and exceptions on holidays like December 24, December 31, and May 1. Standard admission is €14, with reduced tickets at €12 and children at €5.50. However, from August 25 to September 8, 2026, reduced admission applies due to construction work, lowering prices to €10, €8, and €3 respectively. For the latest details, check the official tickets page.
Your admission ticket is valid for 24 hours during museum opening hours, so you can leave and return within that period.
Ars Electronica Center: Discounts for Students, Seniors, Families, and Special Groups
Reduced admission applies to students under 26, seniors 65 and over, apprentices, and those with disabilities, among others. Families with a 'Familienkarte' pay a reduced adult rate and a child rate, while groups of 15 or more get a per-person discount. School classes enjoy a special rate per student, with free entry for two chaperones per 10 children. These rates are listed on the official tickets page.
These discounts require valid ID, and many are only available at the museum's ticket office. If you qualify for a reduction, be sure to carry the necessary documentation.
Free and Reduced Admission Options at Ars Electronica Center
Children under 6 enter free, and various groups enjoy complimentary admission, including holders of the Linz Card, Ö1 Club members, journalists with press ID, and those with an ICOM card. For local residents, the Aktivpass Linz reduces admission to a nominal fee, and the 4youCard offers a 50% discount, as detailed on the official tickets page.
Special offers include the LINZ AG Sunday 1+1 deal, where you get a second ticket free when you travel with LINZ AG Linien or present a KlimaTicket Ö. This promotion is valid every Sunday but cannot be combined with other discounts.
Full-Year Pass: What It Includes and Who Qualifies for a Discount
The Full-year pass provides unlimited admission to all exhibitions at the Ars Electronica Center for one year. It also gives a 50% discount for one accompanying person and reduced rates for Deep Space specials. This pass is great for locals or frequent visitors who plan to attend multiple times throughout the year. The full price and a reduced rate for eligible groups are published on the official tickets page.
Festival Passes (FESTIVALPASS+, FESTIVALPASS, DAYPASS) and Their Inclusions
The festival pass structure has included tiers such as FESTIVALPASS+, FESTIVALPASS, and DAYPASS, with each granting progressively more access. For instance, the FESTIVALPASS+ historically bundled in special events like the Big Concert Night, while the FESTIVALPASS excluded those concerts, and the DAYPASS was valid for a single day. Precise pricing for the 2026 edition has not yet been published; the organizers will release details on the festival ticket page.
Expect similar tiers for 2026, but exact prices and inclusions may change. The festival pass must be exchanged for a badge at the INFODESK at POSTCITY, so factor that into your plans.
How to Buy Tickets: Official Outlets, Online Purchase, and Badge Exchange
Tickets should always be purchased through official channels: the Ars Electronica website for festival passes and the Center's ticket office for standard admission. Online tickets are valid until December 30, 2026, but discounted tickets for special groups are only available at the museum's ticket office. Details are on the official tickets page.
After purchasing a festival pass online, you must exchange it for a physical badge at the INFODESK at POSTCITY. Remember to bring your confirmation and a valid ID for verification.
Festival Event Tickets: What Costs Extra and What to Watch For
Certain festival events require separate tickets, such as the Big Concert Night, Nightline, and special tours like the WE GUIDE YOU program. These are not included in the standard FESTIVALPASS or DAYPASS and must be booked separately online or at the INFODESK, subject to availability.
For the 2025 edition, the festival listed separate prices for guided tours, including Spotlight Tours and a Kids Tour, on its ticket page. Always check the official program for registration requirements, as some workshops and performances have limited capacity.
Resale and Refund Policies: What to Know
Resale of festival tickets is not recommended or officially sanctioned. The Ars Electronica website does not offer a resale platform, and tickets are typically non-transferable. If you cannot attend, contacting the organizers directly is the safest approach, though refunds are usually not available.
For the Center, pre-purchased tickets are valid until December 30, 2026, giving flexibility if your plans change. Always review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
Transportation Perks Included with Festival Passes
Festival passes often include free access to public transport in Linz. The FESTIVALPASS and FESTIVALPASS+ for 2025 allowed unlimited travel on LINZ AG LINIEN lines in the core zone (except the Pöstlingbergbahn) for the festival's duration. This perk can save you money and hassle when moving between venues.
Practical Tips: Booking Tours, Group Bookings, and Accessibility
Guided tours at the Center must be booked at least three weeks in advance for groups and school classes. The Highlights Tour costs €5.50 per person, with reduced rates for children and group packages, as per the official tickets page. For the festival, the WE GUIDE YOU tours can be booked online or at the INFODESK, but they are not included in festival passes.
If you're traveling with a group of 15 or more, contact the ticket office directly for group rates. The Center is wheelchair-accessible, and staff are available to assist. For more travel details, see our guide on how to get to ars electronica.
Plan Your Visit
Booking your Ars Electronica tickets through official channels is the only way to guarantee entry and avoid scams. Decide between the year-round Center and the September festival, then pick the pass that matches your schedule. For a full festival experience, consider the FESTIVALPASS+ for unrestricted access, but if you're short on time, a DAYPASS or a POSTCITY-only ticket might be sufficient.
Check the festival dates for 2026 (September 9–13) and start planning early, as some events sell out and accommodation fills up fast. Use our guide to where to stay for ars electronica for lodging options, and explore more about the city through our Linz festivals page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Ars Electronica?
The Ars Electronica Center charges standard admission for adults with reduced rates for students, seniors, and other eligible groups, and a separate child rate. There are also free entry options for under-6s and certain cardholders. For the annual festival, passes range from a single-day ticket to the FESTIVALPASS+, with prices varying each year. Always check the official website for current prices.
What is Ars Electronica?
Ars Electronica is an Austrian cultural institution based in Linz. It includes the Ars Electronica Center, a museum and cultural hub open year-round, and the Ars Electronica Festival, an annual event held every September. The organization also awards the Prix Ars Electronica and features the Futurelab. It focuses on the intersection of art, technology, and society.
How much do festival tickets usually cost?
Festival ticket prices vary by type and year. In past years, the festival has offered tiers such as FESTIVALPASS+, FESTIVALPASS, and DAYPASS, with reduced rates for concessions. For 2026, official prices have not yet been announced, so it's best to check the website closer to the festival. Early-bird discounts may be available.