Haus der Kunst

Haus der Kunst, or House of Art, is a unique exhibition venue located in Baden, a spa town near Vienna. The house has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the early 19th century. It has witnessed many changes and events, from the Napoleonic wars to the Second World War, from the rise and fall of a casino to the flourishing of art and music. Today, Haus der Kunst is a vibrant and diverse cultural center, hosting various exhibitions, concerts, and courses for the public.

The Origins of the House

The house was originally built in 1818/19 by Pietro Nobile, a famous Italian architect who worked in Vienna. He designed the house for Josef von Hudelist, a state and conference council member who wanted a summer residence in Baden. The house was later known as Löwensteinvilla, after the family who bought it in 1848. The house is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture, inspired by the Italian Renaissance master Andrea Palladio. The house has a cubic shape, with a gabled central projection and three axes. The ground floor has round-arched doors with grooves, while the upper floor has rectangular windows on balustered parapets. The windows are grouped between pilasters, creating a harmonious rhythm. The flanks of the house have large window openings with pilasters and columns, giving the house a sense of openness and elegance. The house has preserved its original forms and features up to the present day, making it a valuable monument of architectural history.

The Casino Era

One of the most intriguing episodes in the history of the house was the brief period when it served as a casino. In 1913, a casino company was founded with the intention of opening a gambling establishment in the house. The company claimed that they would only offer “course games”, such as roulette and baccarat, which were legal at the time. However, this was a cover for their real activity, which was to offer illegal card games, such as poker and blackjack. The company invested a large sum of money to renovate the first floor of the house and create luxurious gambling rooms. They also hired staff, such as croupiers, waiters, and security guards. The casino opened on April 23, 1914, with a grand ceremony and a lavish buffet. The casino attracted many guests, especially from Vienna, who came to enjoy the thrill of gambling and the charm of the house. However, the casino did not last long. The authorities soon discovered the illegal activity and imposed restrictions on the casino. The casino tried to resist, but faced strong opposition from the local government and the public. The casino was finally closed on July 19, 1914, after only three months of operation. The casino era left a mark on the house, as some of the gambling rooms are still preserved today. They offer a glimpse into the glamorous and decadent lifestyle of the early 20th century.

The War and Post-War Years

The house also witnessed some of the most turbulent and dramatic events of the 20th century. During the First World War, the house was used by Emperor Karl I, the last ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who occasionally held audiences in the house and garden. The house was also visited by some of the most prominent figures of the war, such as Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the throne whose assassination sparked the war, and Field Marshal Conrad von Hötzendorf, the chief of the general staff. After the war, the house was acquired by the city of Baden in 1925, along with the rest of the Löwenstein properties. The house became the headquarters of the spa administration, which was responsible for managing and promoting the thermal springs and baths of Baden. The house also hosted the municipal tourist service, the local tourist association, the Beethoven community, and the office of the municipal music commissioner. The house became a center of cultural and social life in Baden, organizing various events and activities related to art, music, and tourism. During the Second World War, the house was occupied by the Soviet troops, who used it as a barracks and a hospital. The house suffered some damage and looting, but was spared from major destruction. After the war, the house was returned to the city of Baden, which restored and renovated it.

The House of Art

In 1956, the house underwent a major transformation, as it became the home of the painting school of Baden. The painting school was founded in 1946 by a group of local artists, who wanted to create a space for artistic education and expression. The painting school renovated the dilapidated building and turned it into a modern and functional art studio. The painting school also opened a reading room and an event room, where they organized exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. The painting school gave the house a new name: Haus der Kunst, or House of Art. The name reflected the new identity and purpose of the house, which was to foster and celebrate art in all its forms. Since then, Haus der Kunst has been a dynamic and diverse exhibition venue, hosting various shows and events related to painting, sculpture, photography, design, and more. The house has also been offering courses and seminars by the Franz Schubert Institute, a prestigious institution dedicated to the study and performance of German art song. Haus der Kunst is not only a place for art, but also a place for people. The house welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds, who can enjoy the beauty and creativity of the house and its exhibitions. The house also offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events for children, families, schools, and groups. The house aims to inspire and engage the public, and to create a dialogue between art and society.

Visit Haus der Kunst

Haus der Kunst is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. The admission fee is 5 euros for adults, 3 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 14. The house also offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Haus der Kunst is located at Kaiser Franz Ring 7, 2500 Baden, a short walk from the train station and the city center. The house is also easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. The house has a parking lot and a bike rack for visitors. For more information, you can contact Haus der Kunst by phone at +43 2252 86800 520 or +43 2252 86800 526, or by email at kultur@baden.gv.at. You can also visit the website of Haus der Kunst at www.hausderkunst.at, where you can find the latest news and updates about the house and its exhibitions. Haus der Kunst is a historic and cultural gem in Baden, that offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Whether you are interested in art, history, or architecture, you will find something to enjoy and discover at Haus der Kunst. Come and visit Haus der Kunst, and immerse yourself in the world of art and culture.

Baden bei Wien, Austria