Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.wienmuseum.at
;
04, Karlsplatz; adult/under 19yr €4/free; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun Apr-Oct; Karlsplatz)
Peeking above the Resselpark at Karlsplatz are two of Otto Wagner's finest designs, the
Stadtbahn Pavillons. Built in 1898 at a time when Wagner was assembling Vienna's first
public transport system (1893-1902), the pavilions are gorgeous examples of
Jugendstil
(art nouveau), with floral motifs and gold trim on a structure of steel and marble.
The west pavilion now holds an exhibit on Wagner's most famous works, the Kirche
am Steinhof (
Click here
)
- situated in the grounds of a psychiatric hospital and com-
pleted in 1907 - and Postsparkasse, which fans of
Jugendstil
will love. The eastern pavil-
9pm-4am;
Karlsplatz)
.
KunstHausWien
(Art House Vienna;
www.kunsthauswien.com
; 03, Untere Weissgerberstrasse 13; adult/child €10/5; 10am-7pm;
1, O Radetzkyplatz)
The KunstHausWien, with its bulging ceramics, wonky surfaces,
checkerboard facade, technicolor mosaic tilework and rooftop sprouting plants and trees,
bears the inimitable hallmark of eccentric Viennese artist and ecowarrior Hundertwasser
(1928-2000), who famously called the straight line 'godless'. It is an ode to his playful,
boldly creative work, as well as to his green politics.
Besides quality temporary exhibitions featuring other artists, the gallery is something
of a paean in honour of Hundertwasser, illustrating his paintings, graphics, tapestry,
philosophy, ecology and architecture. Monday is half-price day (unless it's a holiday) and
guided tours in German of the permanent exhibition leave at noon on Sundays and are in-
cluded in the price. Audio guides cost €3.
MUSEUM
Hundertwasserhaus
(03, cnr Löwengasse & Kegelgasse; 1 Hetzgasse)
This residential block of flats bears all the
wackily creative hallmarks of Hundertwasser, Vienna's radical architect and lover of un-
even surfaces, with its curvy lines, crayon-bright colours and mosaic detail.
It's not possible to see inside, but you can cross the road to visit the
Kalke Village
(
www.kalke-village.at
;
03, Kegelgasse 37-39; 9am-6pm; 1 Hetzgasse)
, also the handiwork
of Hundertwasser, created from an old Michelin factory. It contains overpriced cafes,
souvenir shops and art shops, all in typical Hundertwasser fashion with colourful ceram-
ics and a distinct absence of straight lines.
LANDMARK
