Secession

SECESSION

The Vienna Secession, which marks the beginning of the Naschmarkt, is one of the most famous buildings in the city. This is due not only to the historical background, but also to the famous "golden Krauthappel", as the dome of golden leaves is affectionately called in Vienna.

The Secession building is considered a masterpiece of Viennese Art Nouveau and was also built in this spirit by Joseph Maria Olbrich in 1898.

For the characteristic house with the golden sphere was built for the artists' association called "Secession", which was emerging at the time under Gustav Klimt and wanted to set itself apart from the conservative Künstlerhaus.

The reason why the highly symbolic Art Nouveau building ultimately stands in its present location is that it caused too much commotion on its originally intended building site at the Stubentor. This was because the Viennese population resisted the new type of architecture.

Nevertheless, the Vienna Secession is and remains a tribute to Gustav Klimt and Art Nouveau.'

In this sense, in the basement of the museum, you get to see Klimt's "Beethoven Frieze" in the original. This 34-meter work of art is a pictorial representation of Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

In addition to this permanent exhibit, you will find up to 20 changing exhibitions of contemporary artists on the upper floor each year. And all in the spirit of the Secession's motto, which can also be read above the museum's entrance: "Der Zeit ihre Kunst. To art its freedom."