Art is a way of life in Vienna and visitors in the city have so many choices when it comes to art galleries to explore. One of them worth visiting is the Secession Gallery located at Friedrichstrasse 12, A-1010.
Built in 1897 by architect Joseph Maria Olbrich, the Secession Building is an exhibition hall which opened to the public in 1898. The structure was the first example of Viennese Art Nouveau also known as Wiener Jugendstil or Secessionist.
In 1945 during the Second World War, the building was damaged with its treasures stolen. However, the people behind it were committed to restoring the building and in 1964, it was reopened.
Further renovation works in 1986 made possible the addition of musical and theatrical performances as well as video displays in the gallery.
A highlight of the gallery is the mural entitled Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt. Measuring 70 square meters by 270 square feet, the art work was painted in 1902 in time for the 14th exhibition of
the Vienna Secession. The mural was bought by the State in 1973 at a price of one million sterling pounds and was restored in 1977 at a cost of 400,000 sterling pounds.
The Secession Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday starting at 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Guided tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m.
