{"id":5042,"date":"2018-08-06T05:53:49","date_gmt":"2018-08-06T04:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=5042"},"modified":"2025-12-18T14:15:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:15:10","slug":"hofpavilion-hietzing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/hofpavilion-hietzing\/","title":{"rendered":"Otto Wagner Hofpavillon (Imperial Pavilion)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/hofpavthumb.jpg\" alt=\"Emblem on Hofpavillon\" class=\"wp-image-5247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/hofpavthumb.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/hofpavthumb-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s tough being an Emperor. By your definition, everyone else is &#8220;beneath you&#8221;. Fortunately, there are ways of avoiding the unwashed masses, even when catching the train. Franz Joseph had his own private station entrance just outside his summer palace: the Hofpavillon at Hietzing station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Emperor&#8217;s private railway pavilion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Built in 1899<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Otto Wagner&#8217;s only imperial building<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small exhibition inside<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited opening season and hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book a 2-hr historical <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-walking-tours-l205287\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_WalkingTours\" rel=\"sponsored\">walking tour<\/a>* in Vienna<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One-time entry for free with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/vienna-pass-review\/\">Vienna Pass<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/otto-wagner-in-vienna\/\">Otto Wagner locations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The history<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/imperialpavilion.jpg\" alt=\"Imperial Pavilion, Hietzing\" class=\"wp-image-44898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/imperialpavilion.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/imperialpavilion-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The green and white matches Wagner&#8217;s other station designs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The expansion of Vienna&#8217;s <em>Stadtbahn<\/em> metropolitan railway system at the end of the 19th century included construction of the <em>Wientallinie<\/em>, a rail line which followed the course of the River Wien.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Architect Otto Wagner designed all the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/otto-wagner-in-vienna\/\">stations<\/a>, including the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/otto-wagner-pavilion\/\">Karlsplatz pavilions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, the <em>Wientallinie<\/em> route happened to pass <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/palace-of-schonbrunn\/\">Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace<\/a>, sometime residence of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/franz-joseph\/\">Emperor Franz Joseph<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keen to get a foot in the door with the court, Wagner suggested building a special station pavilion for Franz Joseph. This would allow the monarch and his retinue private access to the railway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Emperor approved of Wagner&#8217;s proposal, leading to the opening of the Hofpavillon in 1899.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/imperialpavilion3.jpg\" alt=\"Hofpavillon, Hietzing\" class=\"wp-image-47252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/imperialpavilion3.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/imperialpavilion3-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The view from the Hietzing station bridge)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>Ver Sacrum<\/em> periodical, official organ of the progressive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/secession\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2119\">Secession<\/a>, praised the new building effusively and hoped it represented the beginning of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/wiener-moderne\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28303\">Wiener Moderne<\/a> movement&#8217;s entry into the imperial construction market. Their description of the project ended so (my translation):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>A triumph of modern art principles and a triumph for the artistic creator of the Stadtbahn<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This success didn&#8217;t have quite the desired impact on Wagner&#8217;s order book, though. Great as his architectural <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/otto-wagner-in-vienna\/\">achievements<\/a> in Vienna were, the Hofpavillon would be his only imperial building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for the hope expressed in the <em>Ver Sacrum<\/em>, well, the imperial construction market disappeared completely less than 20 years later when the Habsburgs lost power post-WWI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incidentally, the Emperor only used the station twice. So, all-in-all, not a great return on investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It looks good, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inside the Hofpavillon<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hofpavilionroof.jpg\" alt=\"The ceiling of the main hall in the Hofpavillion\" class=\"wp-image-65536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hofpavilionroof.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hofpavilionroof-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The main ceiling; press photo by Lisa Rastl and \u00a9 Wien Museum)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its small size, the pavilion makes a striking impression with its lovely entrance and Baroque-style dome&#8230;all fully renovated and restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The design blends the trademark simplicity and colours of the Stadtbahn stations with a dollop of Habsburg majesty, thereby elegantly bridging the worlds of functionality, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/wiener-moderne\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28303\">modernism<\/a>, and royalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That was my impression, anyway, but I may have got a bit flowery in the description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can work your way around the insides very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the ticket office is a beautiful octagonal room with mahogany panelling and dark silk wall coverings. Everything seems to tremble a little when a train passes underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/wagnerhofpavilionpress.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the Hofpavillon in Vienna\" class=\"wp-image-60505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/wagnerhofpavilionpress.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/wagnerhofpavilionpress-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Inside the Hofpavillon; press photo by Lisa Rastl and \u00a9 Wien Museum)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That same room has an impressive painting by Carl Moll depicting an aerial view of Vienna that also shows the full extent of the new rail developments of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The white-walled hall off to the left would have led to the platforms. Here you can see, for example, the original presentation drawings used to convince the court of the value of the building project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Off to the right is another white room with information, drawings and photos covering the Stadtbahn, its stations, and the imperial pavilion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A smaller waiting room beyond the octagonal room has dark wood panelling and green silk wall coverings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You imagine the Emperor himself never had to actually sit in the waiting room with a bottle of water, bar of chocolate, and an eye on a display board. I rather suspect the train waited for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tickets &amp; visitor tips<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/imperialpavilion1.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to the Imperial Pavilion\" class=\"wp-image-47246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/imperialpavilion1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/imperialpavilion1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Austrian imperial crown tops the entranceway)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pavilion is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/wien-museum\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"26812\">Wien Museum<\/a> group of locations and has limited opening times. It typically opens during late spring and summer (early May to late September), Friday to Sunday only. At the time of writing, adult tickets were \u20ac5 with concessions available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A Vienna Pass (see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/vienna-pass-review\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3960\">my review<\/a>) gets you one-time free entry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It only takes a few minutes to look around, so you can easily fit in a quick trip while viewing the nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/palace-of-schonbrunn\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1672\">palace and park<\/a> (immediately opposite the pavilion)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stand on the bridge at Hietzing station and look down the tracks in the direction of the city center; the pavilion hangs rather incongruously over the rail line and makes for a great photo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you&#8217;re up for a pilgrimage to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/wagner-grave\/\">Otto Wagner&#8217;s grave<\/a>, it&#8217;s not far away from here in the Hietzinger cemetery (see the map below), just a few steps from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/klimt-grave\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4689\">Gustav Klimt&#8217;s grave<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to the Hofpavillon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply go to Hietzing station and exit in the direction of the city centre: you&#8217;ll see the pavilion in the distance, less than a 100m walk away. Just be careful walking there, as it&#8217;s a popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/cycling-in-vienna\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30922\">cycle route<\/a> and alongside a busy road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hietzing is on the following public transport lines: the U4 subway; the 10 and 60 tram lines; the 51A, 56A, 56B, and 58A bus lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: Sch\u00f6nbrunner Schlo\u00dfstra\u00dfe, 1130 Vienna | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wienmuseum.at\/otto_wagner_hofpavillon_hietzing\">Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1AW1zQUcSFx6OlGAAtK1iYYUOV1DpxLwZ\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s tough being an Emperor. By your definition, everyone else is &#8220;beneath you&#8221;. Fortunately, there are ways of avoiding the unwashed masses, even when catching the train. Franz Joseph had his own private station entrance just outside his summer palace: the Hofpavillon at Hietzing station. The history (The green and white matches Wagner&#8217;s other station [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5247,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5042","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-footsteps","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5042","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5042"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5042\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87600,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5042\/revisions\/87600"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}