Beč slavi 200. rođendan arhitekte Fridriha fon Šmita Vienna is celebrating the 200 th anniversary of the birth of architect Friedrich von Schmidt
EXHIBITION FOR A SYMBOL OF VIENNA At the heart of Ringstrasse stands the fascinating City Hall It isn’t only the largest building on this famous circular boulevard, but also ranks among the most impressive symbols of the Austrian capital W hen Vienna’s City Hall was first unveiled in 1883, it was the talk of the town. And it re- mains one of the Austrian capital’s most im- pressive buildings to this day, which is why it comes as no surprise that the city is celebrat- ing the 200 th anniversary of the birth of the architect responsi- ble for its design, Friedrich von Schmidt (1825–1891). This occasion will be marked by an exhibition, accompanied by an extensive catalogue, that will be on display at the Vienna City Library, which also occupies this famous building. Visitors will gain insight into the history of construction and the building’s luxurious interior, important historical events and festivities it has hosted, as well as the everyday life of this outstanding ad- ministrative and representative edifice. It was in 1868 that the construction of the grand Ringstrasse prompted an international design competition for the construc- tion of a new city hall, which was won by Friedrich von Schmidt. Initially planned to be located in the vicinity of the city’s Stadt- park, the site of the building was relocated to the impressive sur- roundings of the parliament, university and national theatre at the initiative of then Vienna Mayor Cajetan Felder. The exhibi-
tion presents the connection between the city’s urban expansion and the Ringstrasse through original architectural drawings, photographs dating back to the time of construction, as well as rarely or never-before exhibited historical elements of the interi- or of the City Hall itself. Political decisions have been made in the City Hall for more than 140 years and it remains at the centre of Vienna’s administra- tion. It has also been a place of culture since its unveiling and re- mains among Vienna’s most active event locations. With the construction of this monumental building on the Ring Road, the Viennese citizenry received the possibility, for the first time in the city’s history, to host celebrations and events on a scale to ri- val the manifestations of the aristocracy and the royal court. The architect himself is presented through an extensive review of works, including private loans from his descendants, which will be on public display for the first time ever. As an architect, Schmidt became the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy’s most important designer of sacral buildings. As an architect of cathe- drals, he was responsible for the restoration of St. Stephen’s Ca- thedral, which lasted more than 30 years. Thanks to many years spent teaching, Schmidt shaped entire generations of architects.
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