Friedrichstraße 7
Friedrichstraße 7: A Viennese Architectural Gem
Secession Building: A Temple of Art Nouveau
Vienna's Secession Building: A stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece housing Klimt's Beethoven Frieze and contemporary art exhibitions.
The Secession Building in Vienna, completed in 1898 by Joseph Maria Olbrich, is an architectural manifesto of the Vienna Secession movement. This group of artists broke away from the traditional art establishment to champion modern art. The building is famous for its striking Art Nouveau design and Gustav Klimt's Beethoven Frieze.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Secession
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
The Secession Building is easily accessible via Vienna's efficient public transport system. The Karlsplatz station, a major transportation hub, is right next to the building. Take the U1, U2, or U4 subway lines to Karlsplatz. Exit the station following signs for "Ausgang Secession". From there, the Secession Building is a short walk away. A single ticket for public transport costs €2.40.
Walking
The Secession Building is located in the Innere Stadt (1st district) and is easily reachable by foot. From the Vienna State Opera, walk southwest along Kärntner Straße, then turn right onto Friedrichstraße. The Secession Building will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. From Naschmarkt, walk north along Friedrichstraße; the Secession Building will be on your right.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride within the Innere Stadt typically costs between €10 and €20, depending on the distance and traffic. Taxi stands are located throughout the city center, or you can use a ride-sharing app to book a taxi. Be sure the meter is running or negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Local tips
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Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially if you want to spend time admiring the Beethoven Frieze.
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An audio guide is available for a small fee and provides valuable insights into the building and the art it contains.
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The Secession Building is closed on Mondays.
Discover more about Secession
The Secession Building, located in Vienna's Innere Stadt district, is a key landmark of the Vienna Secession movement. Founded in 1897 by Gustav Klimt, Josef Hoffmann and other artists, the Secession sought to break free from historicism and promote innovative art. Joseph Maria Olbrich designed the Secession Building as a space for these artists to exhibit their work.Completed in 1898, the building's architecture caused a stir. Olbrich ignored Baroque ornamentation, embracing geometric forms. The building's white walls and gilded dome, made of approximately 3,000 gilt laurel leaves, stand out against the city. The dome, nicknamed "the golden cabbage" by locals, symbolizes victory, dignity, and purity. The motto of the Secession, "To every age its art, to every art its freedom," is inscribed above the entrance.The building's most famous feature is the Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt. Created in 1902, the 34-meter-long frieze is an interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The frieze illustrates humanity's desire for happiness in a world filled with suffering. Today, the Secession Building continues to host contemporary art exhibitions, bridging its historical legacy with modern artistic expression.
A brief summary to Secession
Use Secession as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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