Over the past few years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented international travel, Vienna, a city renowned for its cultural and artistic heritage, has witnessed a transformation of historic sites into hotspots. From spaces where you can admire Europe’s finest private collections to places where you can encounter world-renowned maestros like Mozart and Strauss, Vienna is filled with renovated landmarks that cater to the sensibilities of modern individuals. Additionally, there is an abundance of newly opened attractions that reflect the latest trends, including exciting dining establishments. In this article, we aim to introduce fresh travel information that allows visitors to enjoy Vienna like locals.
New Attractions by World Masters in Vienna, a City of Ever-evolving Art
Last June, the Heidi Horten Collection Museum opened its doors in the heart of Vienna’s city center. Located between the Albertina and the Imperial Palace Gardens, the Heidi Horten Collection, renowned as one of Europe’s finest private collections, showcases artworks gathered over the past 30 years by the late Heidi Goëss-Horten. The collection includes works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Gerhard Richter, and more. This museum presents a variety of art pieces ranging from classical modernism to contemporary art, with the exhibition’s composition changing periodically.
In September of the same year, the “Mozart mit uns” (Myths of Mozart) multimedia exhibition opened its doors near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, allowing visitors to experience the world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his works with all their senses. Located in the apartment where Mozart resided until his death, the “Mozart mit uns” exhibition offers a vivid experience of Mozart’s world through a magnificent space that combines music, performing arts, architecture, and technology.
Furthermore, the “House of Strauss,” a multifaceted building paying tribute to the Emperor of the Waltz, Johann Strauss, is scheduled to open this year. Within the House of Strauss, visitors will be able to experience Viennese entertainment culture from the 19th century. It will feature the Casino Baumgarten, which Johann Strauss Senior opened in 1837, a concert hall, a ballroom, an interactive exhibition showcasing the history of the Strauss dynasty, a fine dining restaurant led by chef Stefan Glantschnig, and a garden. Classical regular performances will commence in 2024.
Revival of Historical Buildings, Hotspots Among Vienna’s Trendsetters
The Vienna Museum, located in Vienna’s city center at Karlsplatz, completed its extensive renovation work and will reopen on December 6th of this year. Since its opening in 1959, the Vienna Museum has been recording the city’s history from the Stone Age to the present day. With its expanded space, the modernized museum will offer permanent exhibitions as well as various events and programs. Additionally, a terrace overlooking Karlsplatz will also be open, capturing the attention of Viennese residents.
The Austrian Parliament building, constructed in the 19th century, reopened its doors in January of this year after a five-year remodeling project. Visitors can enjoy free guided tours to explore the beautifully renowned interiors. Inside the Parliament building, four diverse dining spaces have opened, including the Fine Dining Restaurant, a self-service restaurant (Cantina), a bistro-bar, and Café Agora located on the ground floor. Particularly, the rooftop terrace will offer a breathtaking view of Vienna, previously unseen from this historic urban area.
Vienna’s Emerging Culinary Trend: Sustainable Farm-to-Table
Vienna has embraced the latest culinary trend of farm-to-table, emphasizing sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Numerous restaurants have incorporated this concept into their menus, offering delightful dishes that showcase the freshness and quality of local produce. Some popular farm-to-table restaurants in Vienna include:
Harvest Bistro: Located in the city center, Harvest Bistro focuses on seasonal ingredients and collaborates with local farmers to provide a farm-fresh dining experience. Their menu features creative and contemporary dishes prepared with locally sourced produce.
Zum Schwarzen Kameel: A Viennese institution since 1618, Zum Schwarzen Kameel is renowned for its traditional and innovative cuisine. They prioritize using regional ingredients, showcasing the best of Austrian culinary traditions.
Skopik & Lohn: Situated in the trendy Leopoldstadt district, Skopik & Lohn offers a vibrant and eclectic dining experience. They source their ingredients from local farmers and create unique dishes with a modern twist.
These are just a few examples of Vienna’s farm-to-table restaurants, where you can indulge in sustainable and delicious cuisine while supporting local farmers.
Vienna’s cultural scene continues to evolve, blending the old and the new, ensuring that visitors can immerse themselves in its rich heritage while embracing contemporary trends. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history lover, or a foodie, Vienna offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every interest.
By Jungchan Lee/Korea Travel News
