Vienna, June 30, 2026—The Cuban Embassy in Austria expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of our dear friend Maximilian Reiss, a distinguished Austrian collector who dedicated his life to promoting Cuban art in Europe. Reiss was the founder and director of the Cuban Museum of Fine Arts, the first museum of Cuban art in Europe, which opened in 2010 in the former headquarters of the Cuban Embassy in Vienna—a space that became the first museum exclusively dedicated to Cuban art outside the island.
Thanks to his vision, Reiss assembled a collection of more than two thousand works by prominent Cuban artists, including René Portocarrero, Amelia Peláez, Wifredo Lam, and Víctor Manuel, as well as works by young avant-garde artists. His work was instrumental in establishing a unique cultural bridge between Cuba and Austria, transforming the former diplomatic mission into a landmark of Cuban culture in the heart of Europe. His dedication and affection for Cuba were evident in every corner of that museum.
The Cuban Embassy in Austria extends its deepest condolences to the children, family, friends, and colleagues of Maximilian Reiss, as well as to all those who had the privilege of knowing him and sharing his passion for art and for Cuba. It also wishes to express its profound gratitude for the friendship that this great friend of Cuba showed toward all Cubans who had the privilege of spending time with him.
His legacy will live on in every work on display and in the deep bond of friendship he forged between our peoples. We will miss his joy and friendship, but he will be remembered forever.
(EmbaCubaAustria)