Art Nouveau: Gustav Klimt, Otto Wagner and the Secession
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| Around 1900, Vienna found itself in a paradoxical moment: political stagnation and social decadence stood in sharp contrast to a cultural and intellectual awakening unmatched in the modern world. Gustav Klimt, Otto Wagner, and Josef Hoffmann—three of the era’s most influential figures—broke new ground in architecture, painting, and design. Dissatisfied with Vienna’s conservative and uninspired art establishment, they founded their own association. They called themselves the Secessionists and gave their newly built exhibition hall—with its distinctive dome adorned with golden laurel leaves—the same name. Their guiding principle proclaimed: “To every age its art, to art its freedom.” Their goal was nothing less than a renewal of the arts and a reimagining of design for a new century. Their legacy continues to shape Vienna’s artistic identity today. The tour begins with an introduction to Gustav Klimt’s iconic Beethoven Frieze, created for a Secession exhibition dedicated to Beethoven. Originally installed on the main floor, the frieze was later relocated to the lower level, where it has been permanent display since 1985. The work explores humanity’s search for joy and fulfilment - found, ultimately, in art and Beethoven’s music. We then continue to three key examples of Viennese Secessionist architecture, all designed by Otto Wagner, the leading figure of Vienna’s Modernist movement: The Majolica House, with its exuberant floral tile façade, selected stations of the Vienna Stadtbahn (Metropolitan Railway),and the Postal Savings Bank, a masterpiece of clear, linear design that remains a testament to the bold spirit of the Secession. |
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| Meeting Point | 1., Friedrichstraße 12, in front of the Secession |
| Dates | There are no dates for this tour but it can be booked individually for a group |
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| Fax: +43 1 774 89 33 | |
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