Secession Building
Wien
The Secession Building, designed by architect Joseph Maria Olbrich and completed in 1898, stands as a hallmark of the Austrian Secession art movement, a branch of Art Nouveau. Founded in 1897 by artists including Gustav Klimt, Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann, and Olbrich himself, the Secession was a collective that sought to challenge traditional artistic norms and promote modern, unified art forms combining painting, architecture, and decorative arts. The building’s distinctive golden dome, often nicknamed the “Golden Cabbage” by locals, crowns a cubic structure with large, smooth walls that reference Vienna's Karlskirche. It was the group’s first dedicated exhibition space, introducing Viennese audiences to international contemporary art movements such as Impressionism. Inside, visitors can admire Klimt’s famous Beethoven Frieze, originally created for the 1902 exhibition dedicated to Beethoven. The Secession continues to function as an independent artist-run gallery, hosting contemporary exhibitions and preserving its legacy as a symbol of artistic innovation and freedom. Its architecture and artworks embody the spirit of the movement’s motto: "To every age its art, to every art its freedom."
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Astuce: Visit the Secession Building during weekdays for a quieter experience and consider purchasing tickets in advance online, especially for special exhibitions. The building is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours and special language-accessible tours are occasionally offered; check the official website for current schedules and booking options.
Faits intéressants
- •The golden dome of the Secession Building is popularly known as the "Golden Cabbage" due to its intricate gilded ironwork resembling leaves.
- •Gustav Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze, created for the 1902 exhibition, is permanently displayed in the building’s basement as a highlight of its collection.
- •The Secession Building appears on the reverse side of the Austrian 50-cent euro coin, underscoring its cultural significance.
- •The building rests on eight-meter-high concrete pillars that extend down to the underground Wien River, which flows beneath it.
- •Bronze entrance doors were designed by Gustav Klimt’s brother, Georg Klimt, and the six owls on the facade were created by Koloman Moser.
Histoire
The Vienna Secession was founded in 1897 by a group of artists including Gustav Klimt, Josef Hoffmann, and Joseph Maria Olbrich, who sought to break away from traditional academic art institutions.
The Secession Building was constructed shortly after, in 1897-1898, as the group's dedicated exhibition hall.
It became a central venue for presenting modern art, notably hosting exhibitions featuring French Impressionists.
The building suffered damage during World War II, including a roof collapse caused by fire, and was restored by 1964 with input from Josef Hoffmann.
Further renovations took place in the 1980s to preserve its structural and artistic integrity.
Throughout its history, the Secession has remained a symbol of artistic freedom and innovation in Vienna.
Guide du lieu
Golden Dome1898
The iconic gilded iron dome atop the Secession Building, often called the "Golden Cabbage," symbolizes the artistic flourishing of the Secession movement and is a striking architectural feature visible across Vienna.
Beethoven Frieze1902
A monumental mural created by Gustav Klimt in 1902 for the 14th Secession exhibition dedicated to composer Ludwig van Beethoven. It is displayed in the building’s basement and depicts allegorical scenes inspired by Beethoven’s music.
Bronze Entrance Doorscirca 1898
Designed by Georg Klimt, Gustav Klimt’s brother, these bronze doors adorn the main entrance and contribute to the building’s artistic unity and decorative richness.
Owls on the Facadecirca 1898
Six sculpted owls designed by Koloman Moser decorate the building’s side facades, symbolizing wisdom and the Secession’s intellectual aspirations.
Contact
Téléphone: 01 5875307