Imperial House of Baden

The Imperial House of Baden, also known as the Kaiserhaus, is a historic building that served as the residence of the Austrian emperors Franz I and Karl I during different periods of the 19th and 20th centuries. The building, located in the town of Baden in Lower Austria, has a rich and fascinating history that reflects the political and cultural changes of the Habsburg dynasty and the Austrian nation. Today, the Imperial House is a museum that showcases the life and legacy of the Habsburgs, as well as the events that shaped the final years of the First World War. In this article, we will explore the architectural features, the historical background, and the current exhibitions of the Imperial House of Baden.

The Kaiserhaus was built in the 18th century as a luxurious residence for the wealthy merchant Johann Jakob Freiherr von Gontard. The building features a three-story early Classicist facade, with a banded ground floor and a rectangular portal in the center. The main floor has a balcony above the portal, and the windows and doors are supported by volute consoles. The second floor is slightly smaller than the first, and the roof is decorated with a balustrade. The building also has a polygonal pavilion at the back, which was added in the 19th century. The pavilion has round arched doors, a curved roof, and a crescent symbol on top. The interior of the pavilion is adorned with wall and ceiling paintings that create an illusion of a tent. The Kaiserhaus is an example of the late Josephine style, which was popular in Austria during the reign of Emperor Joseph II.

The Kaiserhaus became the property of the Supreme Imperial Palace in 1813, when Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy de Galantha sold it to Emperor Franz I. The emperor chose to establish his Baden residence at the Kaiserhaus, and occupied it until 1834. During this time, the emperor hosted many distinguished guests, such as his wife Empress Maria Theresa, his son Emperor Ferdinand I, his daughter-in-law Empress Maria Anna, and his grandson Emperor Franz Joseph I. The emperor also received visits from important political and military figures, such as Prince Metternich, Prince Schwarzenberg, and Archduke Charles. The emperor enjoyed the spa town of Baden, and often took walks in the nearby parks and gardens. He also patronized the local theater and casino, and participated in religious ceremonies at the St. Stephen’s Church. The emperor’s presence in Baden made the town a center of cultural and social life in the Austrian Empire.

The Kaiserhaus witnessed another historical period in the 20th century, when Emperor Karl I and his family resided there during the final years of the First World War. In January 1917, the emperor relocated the supreme army command to Baden, making the town a strategic center of power. The emperor also moved his court from Laxenburg to the Kaiserhaus in February 1918, as per his decree. The emperor and his family lived in the Kaiserhaus until July 1918, when they left for Vienna. During their stay in Baden, the emperor and his family faced many challenges and difficulties, such as food shortages, social unrest, military defeats, and diplomatic pressures. The emperor also tried to pursue peace initiatives, such as the Sixtus Affair and the Fourteen Points, but they failed to end the war. The emperor’s reign in Baden was the last chapter of the Habsburg monarchy, which collapsed in November 1918.

The Kaiserhaus was purchased by the city of Baden in 2008, and underwent a complete renovation in 2012. The building was opened as a museum in October 2013, with the aim of presenting the history and culture of the Habsburgs and their impact on Baden. The museum features various exhibitions that showcase the life and legacy of the emperors Franz I and Karl I, as well as the events and challenges that they faced during their reigns. The museum also displays original furniture, paintings, documents, and personal items that belonged to the imperial family. The museum offers guided tours, audio guides, and interactive stations for visitors to learn more about the Kaiserhaus and its inhabitants. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The admission fee is 7 euros for adults, 5 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 14 years old. The museum is located at Hauptplatz 17, 2500 Baden. For more information, visit the museum’s website at www.kaiserhaus-baden.at.