Description of the attraction
The Vienna Secession, also known as the home of the Union of Austrian Artists, was built in 1897 by a group of Austrian artists, including: Gustav Klimt, Wilhelm Liszt, Josef Hofmann, Olbrich and others. The need for the construction of such an object arose due to the conservatism and traditional views on the art of the leading Viennese House of Artists.
Painters, architects and sculptors took part in the construction. The financial side of the issue also lay with the artists, while the city, for its part, allocated land for construction. The building has a large gilded dome, interior rooms and windows made of colored glass and designed by Moser. The Secession building, located in the very center of the city, on Karlplatz, has become a permanent meeting place for the entire creative population of Vienna.
Above the entrance of the building was carved the phrase "Each era has its own art, each art has its own freedom." Artists were primarily concerned with exploring the possibilities of art beyond the academic tradition. They hoped to create a new style that should be devoid of historical influence. The group received significant credit for its exhibition activities, which allowed several French Impressionists to be presented to the Viennese public. The 14th Secession exhibition, designed by Joseph Hoffmann, was dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven and became especially popular. However, on June 14, 1905, Gustav Klimt and several other artists left the Secession due to disagreements over the artistic concept.
During World War II, the building was badly damaged and was rebuilt in 1963. The Secession was chosen as the theme for the commemorative coins: 100 euro coins were minted on November 10, 2004. Currently, the Secession hosts about 20 exhibitions annually.
