Secession Building Vienna
An Art Nouveau masterpiece housing Klimt's monumental Beethoven Frieze, a symbol of Vienna's artistic revolution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better art viewing
Secession Building Vienna
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better art viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An Art Nouveau masterpiece housing Klimt's monumental Beethoven Frieze, a symbol of Vienna's artistic revolution.
"A must-see for its iconic architecture and Klimt's breathtaking Beethoven Frieze."
✈️ Airport Transfer Hack
Skip the CAT train! The S7 train from Vienna Airport is much cheaper and just as efficient.
🖼️ Beethoven Frieze Experience
The Frieze is best experienced with the accompanying music. Allow time to absorb its grandeur.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beethoven Frieze
Lower Level
Gustav Klimt's monumental mural, a tribute to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, immerses you in art and music.
Golden Dome
Exterior
Locals affectionately call it the 'golden cabbage' – a stunning Art Nouveau icon.
Art Nouveau Architecture
Entire Building
Admire the iconic Jugendstil design, a symbol of Vienna's artistic revolution.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Klimt's Masterpiece
Vienna Public Transport Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Airport Transfer Hack
Skip the CAT train! The S7 train from Vienna Airport is much cheaper and just as efficient. +2
🖼️ Beethoven Frieze Experience
The Frieze is best experienced with the accompanying music. Allow time to absorb its grandeur.
💰 Cash for Small Purchases
Some smaller shops and markets may not accept cards, so carry some cash.
📍 Near Naschmarkt
Conveniently located near Vienna's famous Naschmarkt for food and shopping.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Airport Transfer Hack
Skip the CAT train! The S7 train from Vienna Airport is much cheaper and just as efficient. +2
🖼️ Beethoven Frieze Experience
The Frieze is best experienced with the accompanying music. Allow time to absorb its grandeur.
💰 Cash for Small Purchases
Some smaller shops and markets may not accept cards, so carry some cash.
📍 Near Naschmarkt
Conveniently located near Vienna's famous Naschmarkt for food and shopping.
🏛️ Combine with Other Museums
Consider a Vienna Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums like Belvedere or Albertina.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Secession Building for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and the profound impact of Gustav Klimt's Beethoven Frieze. The building's unique golden dome is a visual highlight, and its central location makes it easily accessible. Some find the temporary exhibitions to be hit-or-miss, and occasional crowds can detract from the experience.
"Summary. Need 20-min Max 1hour. Need coins for coin locker. Bring earbuds for MUSIC! Free entry for gift shop. Toilet in exhibition zone.
Earbuds..This will prepare you to enjoy the art here and elevate the experience. Even though you forgot one, there are few headphones so don’t be afraid if you don’t have one.
Bring 1 or 2 euro coins since backpacks are banned so need to use locker.
The Klimt place was really cold even in late July cuz of AC.
I think the place is overpriced unless if you really love Klimt and Art. But still the art was amazing since I was able to feel the color without the picture frame, which can cause color distortion.
I took a star off cuz the place is small considering the price.
Go to somewhere bigger and more famous if it is your first time visiting Vienna. Definitely not the first place to come if your travel time is short."
Hy Back
"The secession building and its history is interesting. If you come for Gustav Klimt's art work go to the Belvedere. I was dissapointed by the modern art BS, table with some coke bottles, rubbish with a nametag but that's my view, i love art but the only interesting part is the history of the building and some original Klimt works."
Marcel Derks
"The museum is unique, and Klimt’s Frieze is astonishing – truly a jewel of art and history. Just one (slightly funny) remark: in the museum shop, I bought a few small gifts. Among them was a box labeled Secession playing cards. The box was sealed, so I bought them on trust. After all, what would you expect from “Secession playing cards”? I naturally assumed they’d feature Art Nouveau-style illustrations or decorative motifs.
But when we got home and opened the box… surprise! They turned out to be just plain, generic playing cards.
So just a friendly warning: maybe skip those next time! :)"
federica Sgorbissa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most travelers recommend taking the S7 train from Vienna Airport to the city center. It's significantly cheaper than the CAT train and takes you to a station close to the Secession Building. +2 The journey is efficient and cost-effective, saving you money for other experiences in Vienna.
The Secession Building is easily accessible via Vienna's excellent public transport system. The Karlsplatz U-Bahn station (U1, U2, U4 lines) is very close by, and there's also an Art Nouveau subway entrance nearby. Many bus and tram lines also stop in the vicinity.
Yes, the Secession Building is conveniently located near Karlsplatz and is also a short walk from the vibrant Naschmarkt, Vienna's most popular market. This makes it easy to combine your visit with exploring these areas.
If you are staying in the city center, walking to the Secession Building is a pleasant option, allowing you to see more of Vienna's architecture. It's a relatively central location.
Vienna boasts a world-class public transportation network. Consider purchasing a day pass or a Vienna Pass if you plan on visiting multiple attractions, as it can be cost-effective and convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's advisable to check the official Secession Building website for the most current admission fees. Booking online in advance is often recommended to avoid queues.
The Secession Building typically has set opening hours, which can change seasonally. Always verify the current operating hours on their official website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
While the Beethoven Frieze is the main draw, general admission tickets usually cover access to all exhibitions, including the Frieze. Booking in advance is still a good idea to secure your entry, especially during peak season.
Yes, the Vienna Pass often includes entry to the Secession Building along with many other major attractions. If you plan on visiting several museums and sights, it can be a cost-effective option.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children. Check the Secession Building's official website for details on any concessionary rates or special offers.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The undisputed highlight is Gustav Klimt's monumental 'Beethoven Frieze,' a stunning mural created for the building's 1902 exhibition. It's a powerful artistic statement set to Beethoven's music. +1
The Secession Building primarily showcases contemporary art exhibitions by renowned international and Austrian artists. It also houses the permanent 'Beethoven Frieze.' 
The building's exterior, especially the iconic golden dome, is very photogenic. Inside, photography policies may vary for temporary exhibitions, but the Beethoven Frieze is often a popular subject.
To fully appreciate the Beethoven Frieze and any temporary exhibitions, allocate at least 1-2 hours for your visit.
The Secession Building is a prime example of Viennese Art Nouveau, also known as Jugendstil. Its distinctive design, including the famous golden dome, makes it a landmark.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, particularly the golden dome and the building's facade, offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Photography policies can vary for temporary exhibitions. It's best to check the signage within the building or ask staff. The Beethoven Frieze is generally a popular subject for photos.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light on the golden dome. However, the building is striking at any time of day, and morning light can be lovely too.
Don't miss the intricate details of the Art Nouveau design, the 'golden cabbage' dome, and the stylized sculptures adorning the entrance. The nearby Art Nouveau subway entrance at Karlsplatz is also a great photo spot.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the entire building's facade and the grandeur of the Beethoven Frieze. A good quality smartphone camera will also suffice for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider framing it as a colorful story or a giant comic strip to capture their attention. The building's unique golden dome is also a fun visual element that kids might find fascinating. To make the visit smoother, plan your trip during less crowded times, like weekday mornings. Vienna's excellent public transport makes getting there easy, and the proximity to Naschmarkt offers opportunities for snacks and a change of pace.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
+1 The building itself, designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich, is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, showcasing the era's innovative spirit. Dedicate ample time to the Beethoven Frieze, appreciating its scale, symbolism, and the context of its creation.
📸 Photographers
The building's unique Art Nouveau facade, with its intricate details and stylized ornamentation, provides numerous angles for striking shots. Inside, the Beethoven Frieze is a visually rich subject, though be mindful of any photography restrictions for temporary exhibits.
+1 For wider architectural shots, consider the nearby Karlsplatz U-Bahn station with its beautiful Art Nouveau entrances. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Secession: Klimt and Beyond
Inside, the building's most celebrated permanent artwork is Gustav Klimt's 'Beethoven Frieze.' This monumental mural, created in 1902, is a visual interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and the 'Ode to Joy.' Visitors are often moved by its scale and emotional depth, especially as it's presented with accompanying music.
The building's design embodies the principles of the Vienna Secession movement, which championed artistic innovation and a break from historical styles. The emphasis was on total art, where architecture, painting, and decorative arts were integrated. This philosophy is evident in the building's harmonious blend of structure and ornamentation, making it a significant example of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture.
Navigating Vienna's Public Transport Like a Local
Vienna's public transport network includes subways (U-Bahn), trams, and buses, all well-integrated and punctual. A single ticket or a day pass can be used across all these modes. For those planning extensive sightseeing, a Vienna Pass might offer good value, as it often includes free entry to numerous attractions and unlimited use of public transport.
When exploring the area around the Secession Building, you'll find the Karlsplatz U-Bahn station is a major hub, serving multiple lines.
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