Neubau, Vienna
Vienna’s 7th district, Neubau, is a dynamic, varied urban center rich in history and bursting with modernism. Originally established as a district in 1850, its borders have changed over time but its core is still the dynamic mix of old and new where ancient architecture entwines with modern design. Neubau, a microcosm of the rich cultural fabric of Vienna, provides both locals and guests with a distinctive and interesting urban experience right in the middle of the city.
Deep historical roots of the district date back to the former Vorstädte (suburbs) of Neubau, Altlerchenfeld, St. Ulrich, Schottenfeld, and Spittelberg. These separate communities added to the special character of the area by forming a rich tapestry of architectural styles, cultural influences, and local customs.
The 18th century, when the area developed to house the silk manufacturers of the city, is among Neubau’s most noteworthy periods of history. The district’s urban scene and social fabric were shaped by the notable population rise resulting from this industrial explosion. The architectural relics of this industrial past still show themselves in the district today, giving its modern character historical richness.
With around 32,000 people living in Neubau today, it is a vibrant metropolitan scene. Covering 1.61 km², the region has a high density of cultural organizations, businesses, and homes. From Baroque and Biederheim to Art Nouveau and modern designs, its streets are lined with a varied spectrum of architectural forms. This varied combination of designs captures the rich history of the area as well as its continuous change as a modern metropolitan center.
Neubau, 7th District of Vienna
Tucked in the middle of Vienna, Neubau is a neighborhood that deftly combines modern energy with ancient elegance. For both locals and guests, its varied architectural scene, rich cultural offers, close-knit community, lush surroundings, and active social activities weave an interesting tapestry.
Architectural Medley: A Testament to Vienna’s Evolving Aesthetic
Art Nouveau, Modernism, and Postmodernism among other forms have shaped Neubau’s architectural mosaic. The buildings, with their superb workmanship and unique architecture, show traces of famous architects as Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos. Every architectural style tells a different story, following Vienna’s changing aesthetic philosophy over years.
Cultural Kaleidoscope: Museums, Theaters, and Culinary Delights
With so many museums and art galleries covering a range of interests, Neubau is a refuge for cultural vultures. Nestled within the MuseumsQuartier, the Leopold Museum boasts an outstanding collection of Austrian art featuring works by great names including Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. While the KunstHausWien enthralls guests with its innovative exhibits, the Museum of Technology offers a wonderful window into Vienna’s technical achievements.
With the Volkstheater, Raimund Theater, and Theater a der Wien sought-after opera lovers visit, the region also thrives as a theater and entertainment center. While gastronomic adventurers savor the varied cuisine, fashionistas find comfort in Neubau’s busy shopping areas. Coffeehouses and nightlife venues include Café Sperl, Rhiz, and Volksgarten Club Disco provide the area a vivid and exciting atmosphere.
Green Escapes: Tranquil Havens Amidst Urban Bustle
For both locals and visitors, Neubau’s lush areas provide a calm environment apart from the busy metropolitan life. In the middle of the city, the Burggarten is a calm haven welcoming slow walks and quiet times. Renowned for its Johann Strauss memorial, the Stadtpark calls guests with its peaceful paths and breathtaking scenery. Among residents, the quiet recreational space known as the Auer-Welsbach-Park—which is tucked away among residential areas—is a popular site for outdoor events and picnics.
Active Pursuits: From Climbing Walls to Yoga Studios
Neubau offers sports fans a variety of recreational choices. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, the Boulderbar presents indoor climbing difficulties; cycling along the famous Ringstrace offers a picturesque means of city exploration. For those looking for balance and renewal, yoga and wellness centers such as YogaKula provide a quiet haven.
Cultural Extravaganza: Design Weeks, Festivals, and Christmas Markets
Dynamic character of Neubau is greatly shaped by cultural events. Celebrating modern design and innovation, the Vienna Design Week highlights the newest trends in many different spheres of creativity. Embracing cultural variety, the Neubau Kultur Festival provides a stage for artists and performers from many backgrounds to present their skills. Neubau’s squares and streets become enchanted Christmas markets during the festive season, therefore providing a spectacular experience for visitors of all ages.
Demographics
Even before it was formally named in 1850, the Neubau neighborhood was bursting with people. With 80,043 people, an unparalleled record, this population crescendued in 1869. The post-World War II era saw a demographic decline due to growing demand for large homes and combined housing units. But the population has leveled out since the 1980s; in 2015, it stands at 31,222.
Neubau’s 2013 demographic tapestry strayed from Vienna’s more general patterns. Ten percent or more of the under-15 cohort exceeded Vienna’s 14.3%. On the other hand, Neubau drew more of 20 to 39-year-olds, turning it into a dynamic hub for emerging artists, entrepreneurs, and creative vanguards. Comprising 14.3%, the 65+ group fell short of Vienna’s 16.9%.
Men and women made up 47.5% and 52.5%, respectively, in Neubau, reflecting Vienna’s gender ratio. With a 35.7% percentage, married Neubau residents lagged behind the Viennese average of 41.2%.
Neubau’s foreign-born population hit 28.2%, somewhat above Vienna’s 27.4%. Germany (5.8%) had the biggest contingent followed by Serbs, Poles, and Turks. Of Neubau’s population, 36.2% were non-native Austrians.
Furthermore different from Vienna’s standard were Neubau’s religious affinities. Particularly the Resurrection Church Lindengasse, 45.4% of the polled people classified as Roman Catholic Church members followed Islam, 7.8% to the Orthodox Church, and 5.0% to Protestantism.
Economy
Tucked on the edge of the Neubau area, three metro lines come together. Emerging on the eastern edge of the city center, the U2 and U3 lines slink their way to the subterranean stations of Volkstheater and Museumsquartier. Gracing Mariahilf’s southern boundary, the U3 line also reaches to the Neubaugasse and Zieglergasse stations. At the Thaliastrasse station, which lies west of Ottakring, the U6 line leaves its impression. Not to be surpassed, Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus features U3 and U6 line-served Burggasse-Stadthalle and Westbahnhof stations. The district’s access is improved even more by a system of tram lines and bus routes.
Hermanngasse houses the administrative tower for the sixth and seventh districts; the leadership of the sixth district is still hidden behind its own boundaries. The 7th district is blessed with a constellation of public institutions including the Museumsquartier, the Volkstheater, the Vienna Main Library on Neubauguertel, the Renaissance Theatre on Neubaugasse, and the venerable Furniture Museum Vienna. A true microcosm of healthcare, the Socio-Medical institution Sophienspital consists of a hospital, a geriatric facility, a Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, and the Geriatric Day Center “Ingrid Leodolter,” City of Vienna. Completing the educational scene of the region is the fourth Vienna Central Vocational School on Zieglergasse, together with prestigious establishments as the private Gymnasium Kenyongesse, Gymnasium Kandlgasse, and Musikgymnasium Wien.
Three federal police stations located in Neubau, Josefstadt, and Alsergrund under the control of the Josefstadt City Police Command span districts 7 through 9. In turn, this directive answers to the Vienna State Police Headquarters, therefore maintaining a hierarchical law enforcement system.
History
Neubau hummed throughout the 18th century with the diligence of silk manufacture. It swarms today with a growing population lured to its vibrant energy. With their varied offers, retail paradise like Mariahilfer Straße and Neubaugasse draw consumers. For those looking for convivial libations, the vibrant student-powered Spittelberg quarter is a refuge.
Nestled inside Neubau’s limits are venerable venues such the Austrian Ministry of Justice, a pillar of legal authority, and the Volkstheater Wien, a lighthouse of dramatic arts. The Leopold Collection among other treasures is housed in the Museums Quartier, a haven for modern artistic expression.
The political terrain of Neubau captures its progressive attitude. The district created history in the 2001 communal elections when the Green Party won a plurality of votes—32.6%. The Green Party won an amazing 41% of the vote in the 2004 European elections, surpassing the total of the Social Democratic Party and the Austrian People’s Party taken together.
Like Mariahilf, Neubau is evidence of Vienna’s young, urban, forward-looking energy. For both locals and tourists, its special mix of historical importance and modern vitality makes it an engaging place.
Places of interest
Churches
- Altlerchenfelder Kirche,Lerchenfelder Str. 111. Parish Church of the Seven Flights.
- Lazaristenkirche,Kaiserstr.7. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
- Mechitaristenkirche,at Neustiftgasse 4. Monastery Church of Maria Schutz.
- Schottenfelder Kirche,Westbahnstraße 17. Pfarrkirche Hl.Laurentius.
- Collegiate church,Corner of Mariahilfer Strasse and Stiftgasse. Garrison Church of the Holy Cross.
- Ulrichs-Kirche,St.Ulrich’s Square. Parish church of St. Ulrich and Maria Trost.
Castles, palaces
Hofstallungen: A Testament to Baroque Brilliance
Tucked in the center of Vienna, the Hofstallungen are striking monuments to the city’s rich baroque past. One of the most famous baroque complexes in Vienna, this architectural wonder is very important for urban planning history of the city. Gottfried Semper’s design of the Kaiserforum and the court museums revolved heavily on the axis that runs from the center of the royal stables to the Michaelergang passage of the Hofburg, on the other side of the ring road.
The façade of the court stables, a spectacular exhibition in and by itself, marks the end of the vast plaza linking the New Castle and the museums (Heldenplatz, Burgtor, Ringstrasse, Maria-Theresien-Platz). Under the direction of Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, Emperor Charles VI started the building of this architectural marvel in 1723. Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach participated in the project over the years; he brought changes to the initial plan in 1725 and later, in the middle of the 19th century, the building was restarted and finished in line with his original vision.
Constructed in 1854, the riding hall—a necessary component of the Hofstallungen—stands as an early model of historical baroque reception, therefore augmenting the architectural value of the complex.
Trautson Palace: A Fischer von Erlach Masterpiece
Considered as Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach’s magnum accomplishment, the Trautson Palace is situated at Museumsstraße 7 Originally intended as a garden castle for Johann Leopold Donat, Prince Trautson, this architectural treasure was constructed in 1710 based on drawings by Fischer von Erlach.
The palace has fulfilled several uses over ages. It was the home of the Hungarian Guards from 1760 until 1924; thereafter, it hosted the Collegium Hungaricum. The palace was acquired by the Republic of Austria in 1961; today it is the Federal Ministry of Justice’s headquarters. Remarkably beautiful architecture and rich history of the Trautson Palace make it a beloved monument in Vienna, evidence of Fischer von Erlach’s unmatched vision and talent.
Monuments
- Hansi-Niese-Denkmal,Burggasse near the Volkstheater.
- Raimund Monument,Museumsstraße.
- Anton wild goose bronze bust,Weghuberpark, in front of Palais Trautson.
- Monument to Dear Augustin,Augustinplatz (corner of Kellermanngasse/Neustiftgasse).
- Marcus-Omofuma-Stein,at the Human Rights Square (beginning of Mariahilfer Straße in front of the Museumsquartier). In memory of a detainee pending deportation who suffocated as a result of police measures during a deportation flight.
Museums
A Cultural Odyssey: Vienna’s Enchanting MuseumsQuartier
Unmatched cultural epicenter is Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier, a vast 90,000 m² space. Originally housed in the imperial stables, the building has become a hive of modern art. Here history meets contemporary to provide an amazing tapestry of architecture, art, and culture.
Architectural Center Vienna
A monument to Austria’s rich architectural legacy, the Architectural Center Vienna forms the center of the MuseumsQuartier. “a_schau,” its ongoing display, offers a whole picture of 20th and 21st century Austrian architecture. Discovering the development of design and the influence of sociopolitical elements on architectural expression, visitors can really enter the realm of architectural creativity.
District Museum New Building
The District Museum New Building explores the local past of the adjacent district. Its displays provide a window into the past, highlighting the growth of the area, its well-known personalities, and the cultural customs influencing its character.
Hofmobiliendepot Möbel Museum Wien
Treasure store of Austrian furniture design is the Hofmobiliendepot Möbel Museum Wien, sometimes known as the Imperial Furniture Collection. Along with furniture from the Vienna Workshops and the Art Deco era, its large collection consists of Baroque, Biedermeier, and Historicism period items. Every item relates a tale of artistry, workmanship, and shifting Austrian monarchy tastes.
Kunsthalle Wien
Leading institution for modern art is Kunsthalle Wien. Exhibits, installations, and performances by both known and up-and-coming artists abound in its vibrant program. Pushing the envelope of modern art, the Kunsthalle Wien provides a forum for artistic debate and experimentation.
Leopold Museum
One of the most significant sets of Austrian art from the 19th and 20th centuries is kept at the Leopold Museum. Among other masterpieces are those by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. The well chosen displays of the museum offer a sophisticated knowledge of Austrian Expressionism and its influence on the artistic scene.
Museum der Mechitaristenkongregation
The Armenian Mechitarist Order is uniquely revealed by the Museum der Mechitaristenkongregation. Its collection comprises rare books, manuscripts, and relics illuminating the history, cultural contributions, and religious practices of the order.
Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna (MUMOK)
Modern and contemporary art finds refuge at the MUMOK. Among other pieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg, its collection encompasses Pop Art, Fluxus, Minimalism, and Conceptual Art. The MUMOK’s shows question accepted ideas of art and invite guests to interact with the avant-garde.
ZOOM Children’s Museum
Children may investigate, learn, and play in the interactive ZOOM Children’s Museum. Its practical displays inspire critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry. Programs offered by the museum help to inspire a lifetime respect of art and culture as well as a passion of learning.
