Schönbrunn Palace

The current iteration of Schönbrunn Palace can be traced back to a residence commissioned by Emperor Joseph I. Empress Maria Theresa subsequently oversaw its conversion into a comfortable summer residence for her family during the 18th century.Since 1892, the castle has been located in the 13th district of Vienna, which has been referred to as Hietzing since that time.The term Schönbrunn pertains to a statement attributed to Emperor Matthias.It is believed that he discovered an artesian spring at this location during a hunting expedition in 1619. His reaction upon discovery was one of joy and admiration as he exclaimed, “What a beautiful fountain!”

Between 1638 and 1643, a palace was constructed in this vicinity to serve as the dwelling place of Eleonora Gonzaga, the second spouse of Emperor Ferdinand II.The aforementioned establishment suffered significant damage during the second Turkish siege of Vienna in 1683.In 1687, Leopold I tasked his successor, Joseph I, with commissioning a new building for the castle located outside the city gates. The design was to be created by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, a renowned architect.

The palace and park were remodeled and expanded under the reign of Maria Theresa by Nikolaus von Pacassi and Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg in 1743, resulting in the current form of the property.The Baroque palace served as the summer residence for the kings and emperors of the empire during the mid-18th century until the conclusion of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. It also served as the summer residence for the Austrian imperial family from 1804 until the end of the First World War.Throughout this duration, the palace was consistently inhabited by a court comprising of several hundred individuals and subsequently evolved into a cultural and political hub of the Habsburg Empire.During the era of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, the Schönbrunn Palace was also referred to as k. k. Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace is the largest palace and one of the most significant and frequently visited cultural assets in Austria.The castle and its surrounding park spanning approximately 160 hectares have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.One of the primary points of interest within the castle park is the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which is the world’s oldest surviving zoo and spans an area of 16 hectares.The palace and park are prominent tourist destinations in Vienna.

Gardens

The landscaped area situated between the palace and the Neptune Fountain is formally referred to as the Great Parterre. The French garden, featuring a maze, was designed by Jean Trehet, a follower of André Le Nôtre, in 1695.

The estate comprises several remarkable amenities that were common in European palaces during that era. These include the Tiergarten, an orangerie constructed circa 1755, and a palm house that replaced approximately ten prior and smaller glass houses in the western section of the park by 1882. Between 1828 and 1852, the western areas underwent a transformation into an English garden style.

During the 19th century, the Meidlinger Vertiefung, located west of the castle, was transformed into a recreational area and training ground for the Habsburg children. During this era, it was a prevalent practice to utilize parks for the purpose of providing military education to young princes. While the miniature bastion that was constructed for this specific purpose is no longer extant, the garden pavilion that served as a refuge still remains. The establishment underwent a transformation into a café in 1927 and has been referred to as Landtmann’s Jausen Station since 2013.

Located at the westernmost edge, a botanical garden with roots dating back to an earlier arboretum underwent a reorganization in 1828 with the construction of the Old Palm House. In 2009, a contemporary orangutan enclosure was renovated adjacent to a restaurant and office spaces.

Sculptures

The sculptures located in the Schönbrunn Garden, situated at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, were crafted between 1773 and 1780 under the supervision of Johann Wilhelm Beyer, a renowned German artist and garden designer. The Schönbrunn Garden’s Great Parterre features a symmetrical arrangement of 32 larger-than-life sculptures depicting mythological deities and virtues. The Neptune Fountain, located at the base of the Gloriette hill, is the prominent centerpiece of the Great Parterre. Additional sculptures are dispersed throughout the garden and forecourt of the palace, encompassing fountains and pools. Numerous sculptors were engaged in the creation of these works, including Johann Baptist Hagenauer.

Gloriette

The garden axis is oriented towards a hill that stands 60 meters (200 ft) tall. Since 1775, this hill has been adorned by the Gloriette structure. It is worth noting that Fischer von Erlach’s original plan was to build the main palace on top of this hill.

Maria Theresa commissioned the design of the Gloriette with the intention of glorifying Habsburg power and the concept of a Just War, which is a war that is deemed necessary and leads to peace. As a result, she instructed the builders to repurpose stone that was deemed otherwise useless, which had been leftover from the near-demolition of Schloss Neugebäude. The identical material was also intended to be utilized for the Roman archaeological site.

The Gloriette suffered destruction during the Second World War, however, it underwent restoration by 1947. Subsequently, it underwent another restoration process in 1995.

Currently, the Gloriette serves as a venue for a café and an observation deck that offers a sweeping vista of the city.

Roman Ruins

The Roman Ruin, formerly referred to as the Ruin of Carthage, is a collection of follies that were created by the architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg in 1778. This architectural feature was designed as a novel addition to the existing structures. The architectural ensemble in question has been seamlessly incorporated into its parkland surroundings. It is important to note that this feature should be regarded as a picturesque horticultural element rather than a mere ruin. It had unfortunately begun to resemble one due to a lack of maintenance prior to its recent restoration.

The trend of admiring picturesque ruins, which gained popularity during the Romantic era in the latter half of the 18th century, represented the dual concepts of the downfall of once-great civilizations and the conservation of remnants from a valiant history. The Obelisk Fountain was constructed simultaneously and in close proximity to the Roman Ruin. Its purpose was to complement the iconographic plan of Schönbrunn park by serving as a representation of steadfastness and lastingness.

The Roman Ruin is comprised of a rectangular pool that is enclosed by a substantial arch and lateral walls. This design creates the impression of an ancient structure that is gradually deteriorating into the ground. Located in the pool adjacent to the ruins, there is an apparently disorganized assemblage of stone fragments that provide support for a figurative representation of the Vltava and Elbe rivers.

Architecture

The palace’s interior was designed not only to function as the imperial family’s residence but also to serve representational purposes. It was the venue for numerous festivities and ceremonies aimed at symbolizing and enhancing the monarchy’s prestige.Numerous distinguished artists and skilled craftsmen were commissioned to adorn the rooms with the utmost refinement of the era.The collection of styles encompasses the Baroque, Rococo, Biedermeier, and Wilhelminian periods, which collectively create a cohesive and harmonious ensemble.

The living quarters of Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Elisabeth, dating back to the 19th century, are situated in the western wing of the first floor.The rooms designated for representatives are situated in the central area.The eastern wing of the building comprises the residential quarters of Maria Theresa and the Franz Karl Apartments, which were occupied by Archduchess Sophie and Archduke Franz Karl, the parents of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

The castle boasts numerous rooms, including state rooms and living quarters that were once occupied by the imperial family, which are now accessible to the public.A portion of the remaining rooms have been subdivided into apartments that are currently being leased.Consequently, the castle is not vacant and remains continuously occupied.

The palace building receives approximately 1.6 million visitors annually. On an annual basis, approximately 4,000 individuals visit the location, with a peak of 10,000 daily visitors during the high season. The significant influx of visitors poses a specific challenge for the rooms, as they were not originally intended to accommodate such high volumes of foot traffic. One of the significant challenges faced by the castle administration is to carry out extensive maintenance and renovation of the premises while ensuring maximum accessibility for the public.

Berglzimmer

The ground floor houses the private apartments of the imperial family, commonly referred to as the “Berglzimmer”.The aforementioned apartments are the Gisela, Goëss, and Crown Prince Apartments, which were named in the 19th century after Empress Elisabeth’s children, Gisela of Austria and Crown Prince Rudolf, as well as the Empress’ High Stewardess, the Countess von Goëss.The chambers were adorned with frescoes created by Johann Baptist Wenzel Bergl and his team during the 1770s.

Bergl adorned the walls and ceilings with vibrant landscape paintings featuring peculiar animals and birds.Nevertheless, it is worth noting that our world has been modified through the incorporation of human concepts such as arcades, balustrades, and rococo vases.The baroque palace park is designed to extend beyond the confines of its outdoor space and into the interior rooms of the palace.Bergl’s frescoes are founded on meticulous observations of the natural world, which he conceivably conducted within the palace’s park and orangery.During the summer months, Maria Theresia utilized the Berglzimmer due to their cooler temperature in comparison to the rooms located on the first floor.

Over time, the frescoes underwent a process of being painted over with gray paint. However, they were subsequently uncovered again in 1891.The restoration process commenced in 1965, and as of 2008, the site has been accessible to the general public.

The apartments of Crown Prince Rudolf are situated in the eastern and southeastern regions.In 1864, six rooms were established as apartments for the crown prince who was six years old at the time.From 1774 to 1778, four out of the six rooms were fully adorned with picturesque landscape paintings created by Bergl and his team.

The Goëss Apartment is a section comprising of four Berglzimmern located in the southern region, which was formerly a part of Maria Theresia’s private chambers.

White Gold Room

On the ground floor’s southeastern section, there are four rooms adorned with Rococo golden stucco on their white walls and ceilings.This particular decor is commonly present in the majority of the palace’s prominent rooms.The most spacious area within the premises is the former gymnasium of Empress Elisabeth, measuring 13.80 meters in length, 7.85 meters in width, 4.70 meters in height, and encompassing a total area of 108 square meters.The north wall features a marble fireplace with a sizable mirror, while the flooring boasts a parquet design with a diamond pattern in black, white, and brown hues.The smaller rooms exhibit a similar design.The rooms are designated for hosting special events.

Blue Stairs

The Blue Staircase located in the western wing serves as a means of access from the ground floor to the first floor, which primarily houses the audience and representative rooms.A navy blue runner extends the length of the entire staircase.The first-floor chamber is among the most ancient spaces within the castle. Its original purpose was to function as a dining hall in the previous hunting lodge of Emperor Joseph I, who was then the heir to the throne.The chamber underwent renovation circa 1745 under the direction of Nikolaus Pacassi, commissioned by Maria Theresa.The original floor height of the room is evident by the inability to open the windows without the aid of a ladder, indicating that it was once situated on the first floor.

The fresco on the ceiling is an authentic piece from the former dining room. It portrays the exaltation of Joseph, the heir to the throne, as a virtuous warrior who ultimately receives the laurel wreath in front of the throne of eternity as the triumphant victor.The aforementioned fresco was created by the esteemed Italian artist Sebastiano Ricci during the years 1701 and 1702.The origin of the name of the staircase is not definitively discernible, as it remains uncertain whether it derives from the blue runner or the blue sky depicted in the ceiling painting.

Billiard room

The billiard room is located at the commencement of a lengthier sequence of public and private chambers that pertain to Franz Joseph I. The walls exhibit a white hue complemented by Rococo gilded stucco, while the flooring features an ornate parquet design. There is a white and gold fireplace located in the northeast corner, while a clock can be found in the northwest corner. Contemporary furniture has its origins in the latter half of the 19th century. Located in the center of the room is a sizable pool table dating back to the Biedermeier era, documented in the inventory as far back as 1830.

The designated space functioned as a waiting room for high-ranking officials such as imperial ministers, generals, and officers. One could engage in a game of billiards on the premises while awaiting their audience.

The significant artworks in the room have undergone periodic changes.Enclosed herewith are two paintings that depict the Military Maria Theresa Order.The artwork depicts the initial conferral of the order in 1758 and is attributed to the studio of Martin van Meytens.Another painting dating back to 1857 depicts Emperor Franz Joseph I on the garden staircase during the 100th anniversary of the order. The artwork was created by Fritz L’Allemand.

Children’s room

The designated children’s room was not situated within this particular chamber, but rather located on either the lower or upper levels of the castle.

The interior is adorned with portraits of the daughters of Maria Theresa.The majority of her eleven daughters entered into matrimony at a young age due to political considerations.The room contains six portraits that were painted by an anonymous master commissioned by the Archduchesses.The portraits portray the Archduchesses Maria Anna, Maria Christina, Maria Elisabeth, Maria Amalia, Maria Karolina, and Maria Antonia. On the right half of the room, there is a portrait of Maria Theresa dressed in mourning attire.

Located on the left-hand side is a lavatory that was installed for Empress Zita in the year 1917. The bathroom is finished with marble and equipped with amenities such as hot and cold running water, a bathtub, and a shower.

Breakfast Cabinet

It is likely that the cabinet located in the southwestern corner of the premises served as a breakfast room for Empress Maria Josepha, the second spouse of Joseph II.

This cabinet exemplifies the personal involvement of the imperial family in the interior design of the palace, among other instances.The medallions contain appliqués crafted by Elisabeth Christine, the mother of Maria Theresa.The individual utilized scraps of fabric to adorn silk moire material and fashioned floral arrangements complete with insects.

Hall of Mirrors

The Mirror Room originates from the era of Maria Theresa and features white walls adorned with Rococo gold moldings, as well as red velvet curtains complemented by white drapes.The furniture in the rococo style is crafted from white and gold wood, and features upholstery adorned with red velvet.The distinctive feature of the room is the seven prominent crystal mirrors that reflect one another, creating an illusion of spaciousness.A fireplace made of marble is located at the center of the northern wall.The ceiling is adorned with two sizable crystal chandeliers.

It is likely that the initial performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was six years old at the time, in front of Empress Maria Theresia and the court, took place in this location or in the adjacent Pink Room.As per the testimonies of eyewitnesses, subsequent to the piano recital, young Mozart leaped onto the Empress’ lap and expressed his affection by embracing and kissing her, which brought her immense pleasure.

The Hall of Mirrors served as a reception room for Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth as well.

Big gallery

The Great Gallery serves as the central hub of the palace structure. The Great Gallery, measuring over 40 meters in length and almost 10 meters in width, boasts a total area of 420 square meters. It was primarily utilized for hosting festive receptions, balls, and as a dining hall. The room features tall windows that overlook the main courtyard, and is adorned with crystal mirrors that are positioned to face each other. The walls are adorned with Rococo-style gilded stucco, while the ceiling is embellished with three sizable paintings. The lighting fixtures in question consist of over 60 wall sconces plated with gold, as well as two weighty chandeliers that were originally designed to illuminate via candlelight.

The ceiling is adorned with three sizable paintings executed by the esteemed Italian artist, Gregorio Guglielmi.The central fresco portrays the state of the monarchy during the reign of Maria Theresa, indicating a favorable condition. Franz Stephan and Maria Theresa are seated in the center, surrounded by personifications of virtues of governance.The central group is surrounded by allegories of the crown lands, each representing their respective riches.

Apart from hosting concerts and events, the Great Gallery continues to serve as a venue for state receptions.The summit between the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and the Premier of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, occurred at this location in 1961.

A renovation project spanning two years commenced in the spring of 2010. A team of 15 professionals meticulously cleaned and restored a total of 1400 square meters of wall and ceiling surfaces. The estimated cost of the renovation amounts to 2.6 million euros.

Ceremonial Hall

The ceremonial hall served as a vestibule to the lodgings of Emperor Franz Stephan of Lorraine.The members of the imperial family convened at this location to partake in various festivities, including but not limited to baptisms, name days, birthdays, and grand court banquets. Additionally, they would assemble to attend the oratorios held at the palace chapel.This hall is characterized by six prominent paintings that were commissioned by Maria Theresa from Martin van Meytens and his workshop.

Five of the aforementioned paintings depict the nuptials of Emperor Joseph II and Isabella of Parma in 1760. The matrimony served as a political event, in addition to its social significance, with the aim of enhancing the relationship between the House of Habsburg and the French royal house of the Bourbons.

The painting cycle is organized in chronological order, with each individual painting depicting the significant highlights of the festivities.The initial and most extensive artwork portrays the ceremonial arrival of the princess from Belvedere Palace to the Hofburg.The remaining paintings depict the matrimonial proceedings at the Augustinian Church, the ensuing banquet at the Knights’ Hall, and the subsequent supper and serenade at the Redoutensaal of the Hofburg.Van Meytens’ attention to detail in his paintings of buildings, people, and clothing allows for individual identification to be possible.It is believed that the painting of the Serenade in the Redoutensaal of the Hofburg features a depiction of a young Mozart in the lower right corner.

Located between the depictions of the wedding in the church and the serenade in the Redoutensaal, on the central portion of the eastern wall, is a sizable portrait of Maria Theresa.The image depicts her in the role of the “First Lady of Europe”, attired in an expensive Brabant bobbin lace dress, standing beside a table adorned with a red velvet cushion bearing four crowns and gold tassels.The subject is depicted with her right hand positioned atop a scepter, while her left hand is gesturing towards the symbols of her regal status, namely the imperial crown, the Bohemian crown of Wenceslas, the Hungarian crown of St. Stephen, and the Austrian archduke’s hat.

Old Laque Room

The study of the Roman Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine is commonly referred to as the Vieux-Laque room.Following his demise in 1765, Maria Theresia, his surviving spouse, oversaw the conversion of his room into a commemorative space.

The interior of the room is fully paneled with walnut, extending from the floor to the ceiling.The walnut is interspersed with black lacquer panels sourced from Beijing, which are adorned with gilded Rococo frames.Additionally, there are three portraits on display. The centerpiece is a painting of Francis I, which was executed by Pompeo Batoni in 1769, four years subsequent to his demise.Displayed on the right-hand side is a painting depicting Emperor Joseph II and his younger brother, Leopold, who later became Grand Duke of Tuscany and subsequently Emperor Leopold II. Batoni executed this painting in 1769.

The lacquer panels were originally components of a Chinese screen that were subsequently repurposed as wall decorations through sawing. The act of sawing resulted in the formation of cracks, which subsequently increased in intensity as time progressed. The constituent components have been modified to conform to the visual standards of the space, rather than adhering to the initial Chinese configuration. The lacquer substance was subjected to moisture and temperature fluctuations over time, which caused damage. Additionally, the gold surfaces were bleached by ultraviolet light. The surface and cracks underwent multiple repairs, however, a comprehensive renovation project was initiated in 2002 and spanned over a period of three years. The most recent renovation of the palace occurred in 1872, in preparation for the 1873 World’s Fair. During the refurbishment process, a total of 138 larger panels and 84 smaller panels from the walls, door panels, and overdoors were systematically removed, restored, and subsequently reinserted. older, In order to enhance the protection of the panels, the room is consistently shielded from direct sunlight and illuminated solely with subdued electric lighting.

The initial display exhibited authentic as well as imaginative depictions of rural China.Recognizable motifs include depictions of lakes, rocks, pavilions, and mountains upon which saints and genii are depicted resting. Additionally, palaces, hunting scenes, and everyday activities of the Chinese nobility and their servants are also commonly depicted.Animal, fruit, and flower motifs are used to symbolize concepts such as luck and wealth, as well as transience and immortality.

Napoleon Room

During the years 1805 and 1809, Napoleon selected the palace as his headquarters while occupying Vienna.It is likely that during this period, the individual utilized this particular space as a sleeping quarters.In 1810, he entered into matrimony with Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria, who was the daughter of Emperor Franz II/I. The union was aimed at consolidating the peace between the two nations.The aforementioned association resulted in the birth of Napoleon Franz Bonaparte, who was subsequently designated as the Duke of Reichstadt by his grandfather, Emperor Franz I.Following Napoleon’s downfall and relinquishment of power, Marie-Louise transported her young child to Vienna.He was raised in a secure environment under the protection of his grandfather’s court.The grandfather had a particular fondness for botany, which he enjoyed sharing with others.

In this room, in the year 1832, the young duke passed away at the age of 21 due to tuberculosis.The room contains a death mask and a preserved crested lark, which was the individual’s cherished pet.

Porcelain Room

The room made of porcelain was utilized by Maria Theresa as a space for both leisure activities and academic pursuits.The room is adorned with a wooden framework that has been painted in blue and white, resembling porcelain, and extends up to the ceiling.It is likely that the wall decoration designs were sourced from Isabella of Parma, the daughter-in-law of Maria Theresa.The framework contains a total of 213 blue ink drawings.The aforementioned items originate from Emperor Franz I Stephan and a few of his offspring. They were crafted based on designs by François Boucher and Jean-Baptiste Pillement.

Million Room

The Million Room is considered to be one of the most valuable spaces within the palace.This particular room was initially referred to as the Feketin Cabinet due to its highly prized rosewood paneling.

The artwork comprises of 60 rococo cartouches, featuring Indo-Persian miniatures that depict various scenes from the private and courtly lives of the Mughal rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries in India.

To accommodate the asymmetrical shapes of the cartouches, the miniatures were modified through a collage technique where individual sheets were cut and rearranged into new images by members of the imperial family.This chandelier is a Viennese handcrafted piece dating back to 1760. It is composed of bronze and adorned with enamel flowers.The bust situated behind the sofa depicts Archduchess Marie-Antoinette, the youngest daughter of Maria Theresa, who subsequently ascended to the throne as the Queen of France.There are crystal mirrors positioned on both sides of the room, which reflect each other, resulting in an optical illusion of infinite space.

Cabinet of Miniatures

Adjacent to the million room is the miniature cabinet. The walls of this relatively modest room are embellished with a plethora of petite paintings, a few of which are autographed, procured from the spouse and offspring of Maria Theresa.The walls and ceiling exhibit Baroque stucco ornamentation, while the parquet flooring features a diamond pattern composed of three distinct types of wood.The embroidered lace curtains feature the imperial double-headed eagle prominently positioned at the center.These artifacts originate from the era of Franz Joseph I.

Tapestry Salon

The walls of the room are adorned with 18th-century Brussels tapestries known as Gobelin, which portray market and harbor scenes.The central tapestry portrays the port of Antwerp. At that time, Antwerp was a constituent territory of the Austrian Netherlands.The six armchairs are adorned with tapestries depicting the twelve months of the year, each featuring the corresponding zodiac sign.

The salon was utilized as a living room by Archduchess Sophie, who was the mother of Emperor Franz Joseph I, in the most recent past.In 1873, following the passing of the Archduchess, the room was furnished with its current decor to commemorate the Vienna World Exhibition.

Archduchess Sophie’s writing room

The space was initially utilized as a library. The bookshelves are located behind the panels that are capable of being opened. During the 19th century, Archduchess Sophie, who was Emperor Franz Joseph I’s mother, arranged the room to serve as a writing room. Consequently, it formed part of the apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph’s parents.

Red Salon

The origin of the name “The Red Salon” can be attributed to the silk wallpaper adorning the walls of the establishment.The curtains are fabricated from a blend of red velvet and silk, while the carpeting is similarly hued in a shade of red.The salon features a collection of state portraits depicting emperors adorned in the regalia of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Notable portraits include those of Leopold II, his son and successor Franz II/I, Ferdinand I, and his wife Maria Anna von Savoyen.Leopold Kupelwieser painted the double portraits of Emperor Ferdinand I and Empress Maria Anna.

Castle Theater

Located on the right-hand side of the entrance area of the forecourt is the Palace Theater. This historic theater was constructed in 1745, opened its doors in 1747, and remains in use to this day.

Activities at Schönbrunn

Schönbrunn is a highly frequented tourist attraction in Vienna, with a recorded visitation of 3,800,000 individuals in 2017.In 2009, the Schönbrunn complex, which includes Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Palmenhaus, Wüstenhaus, the Wagenburg, and the Schoenbrunn Palace Concerts, received over five million visitors.Tickets for tours can be purchased in advance at the official website. Apart from the tours and tour packages, one can relish numerous classical concerts showcasing the music of Mozart and his contemporaries. These concerts offer the added advantage of spending more time in the magnificent halls, Orangerie, or Schlosstheater.

The Schönbrunn Palace hosts the Summer Night Concert annually on its premises.

Schönbrunn Palace Concerts

The Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra performs at the Schönbrunn Palace Concerts. It was founded in 1997 and has been managed by Maestro Guido Mancusi, principal opera conductor, since 1998. In the Schönbrunn Palace Concert series, he also launched Chamber Opera Schönbrunn.

In Vienna, they hold daily performances near the original site of Mozart and Salieri’s legendary duel (1786). They have extensive expertise working with opera singers and ballet dancers. The Orchestra travels all around the world on a regular basis.

Film and television productions

The gardens and palace have appeared in many films and television productions, including the Sissi trilogy in the 1950s, A Breath of Scandal with Sophia Loren, and briefly in the Bond film The Living Daylights when Bond (Timothy Dalton) and Kara are riding through the palace garden; the palace is also seen during the end credits.In 1965, the comedy The Great Race was filmed there. On the grounds, Jackie Chan filmed sequences for Armour of God. The Crown Prince, a television drama starring Max von Thun as Crown Prince Rudolf and Klaus Maria Brandauer as Kaiser Franz-Josef, was recently filmed there.

Kommissar Rex, an Austrian television series, filmed many episodes there. As he teaches the young master how to dance in Kuroshitsuji episode 2: His Butler, Omnipotent, Sebastian Michaelis tells him that he was a visitor at the Schönbrunn Palace soirees before his contract was made with Ciel. In 2003, Dutch violinist André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra, together with the Opera Babes, used it as the backdrop for an arrangement of the European Anthem, “Ode to Joy.”

The palace held a Fast Forward assignment on the third leg of The Amazing Race 4, in which one team had to carry trays of champagne glasses across a ballroom floor of waltzing couples.The sixth leg of The Amazing sprint 23 required teams to sprint through the garden’s maze in quest of the Pit Stop, which was located at the Gloriette.

The Schönbrunn Palace was featured in the Disney animated TV show series Little Einsteins during the Season 2 episode The Glass Slipper Ball, featuring the orange fish based on two clownfish, Marlin and Nemo from the 2003 Disney/Pixar animated film Finding Nemo, and the painting by Andy Warhol and the music The Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss II, based on the 1950 Disney animated fairy tale film, the title character, and the book Cinderella by Charles Perrault.

History

Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II acquired a wide floodplain of the Wien river behind a hill between Meidling and Hietzing in 1569. In 1548, the previous owner built Katterburg, a mansion. The emperor ordered that the land be gated and that animals such as pheasants, ducks, deer, and boar be placed there so that it might serve as the court’s leisure hunting field. “Exotic” birds such as turkeys and peafowl were housed in a different section of the area. Fishponds were also constructed.

The region was used as a hunting and relaxation place throughout the following century.Eleonora Gonzaga, who enjoyed hunting, spent a lot of time there and was granted the region as her widow’s dwelling after her husband, Ferdinand II, died. From 1638 until 1643, she constructed a palace to the Katterburg estate, and in 1642, the name “Schönbrunn” was first mentioned on an invoice. The Schönbrunn orangery appears to have been founded by Eleonora Gonzaga as well. The Schönbrunn Palace as it is now was erected and rebuilt during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, who received the land as a wedding gift.Franz I commissioned the palace’s façade to be redecorated in the neoclassical form that it is now.

Franz Joseph, Austria’s longest-reigning emperor, was born and spent much of his life in Schönbrunn. On November 21, 1916, at the age of 86, he died there. Following the demise of the Habsburg monarchy in November 1918, the palace was given to the newly formed Austrian Republic and preserved as a museum.

After WWII, and during the Allied Occupation of Austria (1945—55), Schönbrunn Palace was requisitioned to house the British Delegation to the Allied Commission for Austria, as well as the headquarters for the tiny British Military Garrison stationed in Vienna. With the restoration of the Austrian republic in 1955, the palace was reopened as a museum. It is still used for significant events such as the 1961 meeting between US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

The Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur-und Betriebsges.m.b.H., a limited-liability company completely owned by the Republic of Austria, has owned and managed the palace and gardens since 1992. All palace properties are preserved and restored by the firm without the assistance of the state. Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens were included on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1996 as a noteworthy Baroque ensemble and example of artistic synthesis (Gesamtkunstwerk).

Vienna, Austria