The Denkmalschutzgesetz DMSG (Monuments Protection Act) is the Austrian national law for cultural heritage protection. Into force since 1923, the Act has been amended several times, with the last being in 2024.
As the general law for cultural heritage protection, in the DMSG is to be found the national definition of cultural heritage and monument, which emphasises the historic, artistic, and cultural significance, and its scope of application.
It establishes the protection regime and measures, and it prohibits destruction or alteration of monuments without proper authorisation.
The DMSG regulates as well all procedures concerning archaeological finds, import and export, sanctions and enforcement, restoration and the administrative structure. Indeed, the Monuments Protection Act establishes relevant national bodies and competencies. The last amendment in 2024 introduced the “special obligation to preserve”, intended to prevent demolitions caused by extended negligence of property’s owners. In addition, it has changed the liability rules in order to allow public spaces closed to the public, due to unclear liability issues, to be accessible.
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