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Celebrating a Decade of the MuseumsQuartier, Vienna’s Outdoor Living Room – Part 1

This is the first part of a 2-Part Series by travel writer Jacqueline Swartz on Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier. This first part, introduces us to the MuseumsQuartier on the Celebration of it’s 10th Year.

Vienna, as photographed by Denis Todorut

Vienna, Austria has long had the reputation as a dreary city stuck in the past, getting by on Mozart and Sachertorte.  But, as I found out, anyone who has been there in the last few years will tell a different story. Vienna has transformed itself into a city humming with creative energy. The grand l9th century buildings that so define the city, now feature street level stores and boutiques with cutting edge design, crafts and clothing. This small, walkable city now has a feeling of openness, all the more inviting because prices are lower than in many other major European capitals.

In music, electronica, which began in Vienna, coexists with Opera. Chefs are using the plentiful local produce to make creative versions of old classics, while some go so far as refusing to make that old standby, Weiner schnitzel.

MuseumsQuartier as, photographed by Thomas Weber.

Nowhere is the new, dynamic Vienna more evident than the MuseumsQuartier. Called the largest museum district in Europe, it opened in 2001, with museums, restaurants and performance spaces in an area of over 90,000 square meters, with cobblestone quadrangles tying it together, and the former Emperor Franz Joseph’s baroque cavalry building as the flagship. The location is ideal. Just beyond is the Museum of Fine Arts and the Imperial Hofburg Palace; behind the MQ, as it is called, is the trendy 7th district, with its avant-garde shops and boutique hotels.

What luck: an iffy area that at one point was going to be turned into a bland convention centre became, thanks to persistent visionaries in the arts and in government, a must-see place for Vienna visitors – and a place for the Viennese themselves.

It’s large, but hidden by buildings and trees, and its cobblestone plaza and mix of old and new buildings give it an almost cozy feel: you’re not merely on a street with a lot of museums.

Vienna’s Outdoor Living Room, photographed by Michela Simoncini

“It’s our urban living room,” explained Executive City Councilor for Cultural Affairs and Science, Dr. Andreas Mailath-Pokorny.  He was speaking at a press conference to celebrate the 10th year of the MQ. It was delightfully shocking to hear him and other politicians say that funding the arts is good for the economy – and for the soul of the country. Today, the MQ draws 3.8 million visitors a year, and it’s hard to imagine Vienna without it.

To get the lowdown on what is happening, check out eSel Rezeption. It’s on Electric Avenue as soon as you enter the MQ. It describes itself as an art information office and “a micro museum shop for the dissemination of art in everyday life and on the forms of intelligent conversation.”

Did I forget to add that the MQ is a friendly place, where you can talk to a stranger?  Perhaps the mixing up of glitz/grunge, high/low, baroque/modern has the effect of loosening things up. All I know is that it’s a great place to spend time, even if you’re alone.

And I want to return. First to the 2112 mega exhibits of Klimt in museums all over the city. Then to check out what’s being called the Year of Fashion at the MQ. And, of course, just to hang out.

For details on the restaurants, shopping and MUSEUMS, stay tuned for Part 2: Great Eats, Local Finds & the MUSEUMS of the MuseumsQuartier.

Written by:
Jacqueline Swartz
Published on:
January 15, 2012
Thoughts:
14 Comments

Categories: All Aboard!, Around the World, Austria, Chique, Europe, Jacqueline Swartz, Our TravelersTags: Austria, Europe, Vienna

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathy Sweeney

    January 15, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    Have always wanted to visit Vienna precisely for the old world ambiance and history. But your description of MQ and the “new” Vienna sounds very inviting. Love the idea of the MQ as a the urban living room. Very nice photos.

    Reply
    • Emme Rogers

      January 15, 2012 at 3:25 pm

      Unlike Jacqueline, I do love Vienna for it’s old world charm Cathy. It’s a beautiful city. That said, the MQ has now got me curious to discover it’s new world charm.

      ~ Emme

      Reply
  2. wandering educators

    January 15, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    i want to go – it looks so beautiful. and, of course, the food!!

    Reply
    • Emme Rogers

      January 15, 2012 at 9:14 pm

      Ohhh, the food in Vienna. I remember it from when I was there as a teenager. Nice cheese for breakfast. Every 4th or 5th shop filled with chocolates and sweet treats. Pure bliss!

      Reply
  3. inka

    January 16, 2012 at 9:02 am

    Urban living room – that sounds quite enticing. Although, like Cathy I would be happy with the old world charm. That’s still there.

    Reply
    • Emme Rogers

      January 21, 2012 at 1:29 pm

      I know. That was my reaction to hearing the term ‘urban living room’ too Inka. Sounds very appealing.

      As I mentioned in my reply to Cathy, I have been to Vienna years ago and loved it for it’s old world charm. This just adds another element to enjoy!

      Emme

      Reply
  4. Red Nomad OZ

    January 16, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Haha! Love your descriptions – but getting by on sachertorte isn’t such a bad thing. Is it?? Even though I’m firmly entrenched downunder in OZ, your post makes me want to take a look!! Or maybe it’s just the thought of winter as we swelter through a heatwave downunder …

    Reply
    • Emme Rogers

      January 21, 2012 at 1:32 pm

      I’m with you on the sachertorte and all the other chocolate delicacies Red. These were a definite highlight for Dad and I when we were there.

      Reply
  5. adventureswithben

    January 16, 2012 at 4:49 pm

    Great perspective on this cultural change.

    Reply
    • Emme Rogers

      January 21, 2012 at 1:33 pm

      Yes, I found that really interesting too in Jacqueline’s post.

      Reply
  6. Courtney Mroch

    January 17, 2012 at 8:21 am

    How amazing is it that they so poetically refer to it as their “outdoor living room”? Love it! I have eyed Vienna as a travel destination for years. Can’t get the hub on board. (I like Europe, he likes South America) Reading this post makes me want to go even more now!

    Reply
    • Emme Rogers

      January 21, 2012 at 1:34 pm

      Seems it’s only fair that you get to take turns Courtney. If he gets a trip to South America, then you get a trip to Europe.

      Reply
  7. Alyzee

    January 21, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    Oh my, now I have the stirrings of wanderlust for Vienna. It looks so lovely. I love a place where the strangers are warm and friendly.

    Reply
    • Emme Rogers

      January 22, 2012 at 7:46 am

      Yes, the dangers of reading a site dedicated to worldly adventures Alyzee. So looking forward to reading yours from Mozambque, even if I suspect that they’ll make me painfully jealous.

      Reply

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