Wiener Secession

Secession Building

Architect Josef Maria Olbrich built this Jugendstil (German-style Art Nouveau) building 1897-98 as a display space for artists working in the new Secession artistic movement. It is topped by a giant, frothy golden ball, lovingly called Krauthappel by the Viennese, but the building was definitely not loved when it first opened. Notice a reactionary Viennese pattern here? The opera building too was hated at first, but at least it was not called a "temple for bullfrogs" or "a bastard begot of temple and warehouse" as this building was. The entryway features the motto of the Secessionist movement: Der Zeit ihre Kunst, der Kunst ihre Freiheit (to the time, its art, to the art, its freedom). Olbrich's mentor Otto Wagner, and also Gustav Klimt, whose astounding Beethoven Frieze is partially preserved in the basement, inspired the building's design. The ceremonial front entrance is separate from the functional glass and steel exhibit hall in back.

Address

Friedrichstraße 12

Getting there

U-Bahn U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz

Hours

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00; guided tours Sat 15:00, Sun 11:00 and by appt

Price

Beethoven Frieze + special exhibits: €8.50 (adults), €5 (seniors/students); special exhibits: €5 (adults), €4 (seniors/students); guided tours: €3

Website

secession.at (opens in a new tab)