Vienna is no longer only “k.u.k.” (imperial and royal), it’s also been a design hotspot for a number of years. The love of modern design is slowly leaving the confines of downtown and established locations. The following locations are nearby and perfect for design fans.
21er Haus
Viennas new museum for contemporary art is an adaptation of the former Austria pavillon for the World Fair of 1958. Architect Karl Schwanzer received the Grand Prix d’Architecture for this structure that was made of light materials and seemed to float. Todays museum houses Austrian art of the 20th and 21st century, a café and a cinema.
21er Haus, Schweizergarten, Arsenalstraße 1, 1030 Wien
Sofitel Wien Stephansdom
The hotel – a piece of art. This is Sofitels name for its newest addition on Schwedenplatz. No question: the avant-garde building overlooking the Donaukanal is really something else, and the view from the rooftop bar simply stunning. However, should you want to sip your Martini there, show your respect and wear nice clothes – Jeans are not allowed here.
Sofitel Stephansdom, Praterstraße 1, 1020 Wien
TBA21/Die Au
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Foundation at Augarten park supports contemporary art production and presents art from all over the world in cooperation with international museums. Their program is to be “complex and critical” and keeps coming up with great and often strange ideas, such as the “Supperclub” or the multifaceted performances. Highly recommended: their café restaurant “Die Au”, for lunch, dinner and a lovely terrace.
TBA21, Scherzergasse 1a, 1020 Wien
WU
A whole quarter of Vienna was hidden behind construction hoarding for the duration of four years. Meanwhile, the new economics university is in business, impressing students and visitors alike. Every one of the five building complexes has been conceived and build by a different, internationally renowned architect, from Zaha Hadid, to NOMAD to Hitoshi Abe.
WU Wien, Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Wien
Vienna Design Week
Not one place, but many. Each year in the fall, the Vienna Design Week shows innovative design projects from all over the world in different locations all over Vienna. Showrooms incluce museums, design bureaus and normal businesses, all of them opening their doors to special design events. Every year is completely different from the previous one, so that coming back is always a good idea. The VDW office is located at stilwerk.
Vienna Design Week, at stilwerk, Praterstraße 1, 1020 Wien
