From 23.8.2025: For two weeks, visitors will once again have the rare opportunity to see the original version of the world-famous color woodblock print UNDER THE WAVE AT KANAGAWA (Japan, ca. 1830) by Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), known as The Great Wave. The print is one of the most famous graphic works in the world and is among the most frequently reproduced works of art internationally—the wave has even been given its own emoji. On display from August 23 to September 7, 2025, in the exhibition WATER PRESSURE.

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Water is the only substance on Earth that exists in nature in all three states of matter—liquid as water, solid in the form of ice, and gaseous as water vapor. This unique property influences the climate, the water cycle, and the living conditions of all organisms.

Although access to water is recognized as a human right, around two billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, and approximately 3.5 billion have to live without basic sanitation. Overexploitation of water resources as well as the drying up and pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves exacerbate this crisis.

Across five chapters, WATER PRESSURE presents scenarios that look into the future, raising awareness about the vital resource of water and aiming to improve water justice:

Water Stories offers a narration on the cultural significance of water in a diverse collage of ideas and examples from different eras and cultures and aims to reawaken a connection to water and an understanding of its place in the ecosystem.

Bodily Waters explores water’s intimate connection to human and non-human bodies. The focus here is on the global inequalities in access to safe drinking water, and on alternative scenarios for sanitation and wastewater management.

Thirsty Cities shows innovative solutions for the water crisis in international metropolises such as Chennai, London, Mexico City, Copenhagen, and Lagos, addressing water scarcity, pollution, and flooding—from wastewater treatment with the help of plants to swimming architecture.

Invisible Water highlights the water footprint of agriculture and industry, outlining new ways to reduce water consumption and pollution.

Ecosystems presents alternative scenarios for restoring the balance between humans and nature, emphasizing the role of rivers and oceans in preserving biodiversity. Here, local and indigenous knowledge is activated for the vision of a creative and more resilient water culture.

In Vienna, the exhibition has been expanded with large-scale installations by contemporary artists and designers, historical objects from the MAK Collection, and projects relevant to Austria.

SUPPORTING PROGRAMME
The diverse supporting programme invites you to a pool party without a pool, a hydrofeminist choreographic walk along the Wien River, interdisciplinary talks, inspiring discussion games, a curator guided tour with Jane Withers (21 May, 4.30 pm), and much more.

Children and students can explore the exhibition on a playful water journey, dip stories in color, and have a vibrant watercolor river flow through the DIREKTION FÜR ALLE!

At guide.MAK.at, the free audio guide takes you from the exhibition out into the city, bringing Vienna’s water stories into the MAK.

Regular Tours take place in May, June, and July on Sundays at 4.30 pm