Leuchtturm Sunken City, Vienna Travel Guide

The Leuchtturm Sunken City is a repurposed theatrical prop that has found a new life as a tourist attraction and a symbol of the Donauinsel's vibrant atmosphere. It began its life as a stage prop for the Bregenz Festival, an annual arts festival held on the shores of Lake Constance. Specifically, the Leuchtturm served as a key element in the set design for Richard Wagner's opera 'The Flying Dutchman' during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. In David Pountney's production, the lighthouse played a dramatic role, most notably as the spot from which the character of Senta throws herself into the lake.After its stint on the Bregenz stage, the set pieces were dismantled, and the lighthouse was transported to Vienna. In 1991, the structure was re-erected in front of the Technisches Museum Wien (Vienna Technical Museum) as part of an exhibition called 'Phantasie und Industrie' (Fantasy and Industry). This temporary installation showcased the ingenuity and craftsmanship involved in creating large-scale theatrical sets.In 1997, it was once again disassembled and moved to its current location on the Donauinsel. Here, it became a prominent feature of the 'Sunken City,' an area along the Neue Donau known for its restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities. Today, the Leuchtturm Sunken City stands as a quirky and somewhat surreal landmark. It's not a functioning lighthouse guiding ships, but rather a repurposed theatrical prop. The structure itself is reminiscent of a classic lighthouse, with a cylindrical tower and a lantern room at the top.