
Hundertwasser House, Vienna
A relatively recent addition to Vienna's architectural heritage, the Hundertwasser House is a great example of 20th-century urban experimentation. If the surrounding architecture whispers "classical elegance," this one belts out "psychedelic daydream" through a megaphone!!!
Sitting as an antithetical statement about what architecture can be—a sort of riotous rebuttal to boring buildings— this gloriously eclectic (if not, say, surreal) block of flats explodes with color and curve. From a distance, it looks almost like a lovechild of Gaudí, a Lego set, and a fever dream combined. Consisting of a frenzy of oriel windows, loggias, gilded onion domes, ceramic columns, glass sparkles, roof gardens—and yes, even a salvaged slice of what stood here before 1983—it’s part sculpture, part protest, and part urban jungle. A rainbow having a rave, basically...
Designed in 1985 by the ever-unconventional, avant-garde artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this idiosyncratic building was his answer to what he perceived as the rather soulless modern concrete monotony sprouting across Vienna's suburbs. Further to his credit, and just to make sure his message landed, Hundertwasser refused payment for his work, declaring that the investment was worth it to "prevent something ugly from going up in its place". Mission absolutely accomplished...
So, whenever you're in Vienna, make sure to swing by this photogenic rebel—pure architectural exuberance, gleefully thumbing its nose at the capital’s polished palaces and baroque facades. Because your eyes deserve a holiday too...
Tip:
While the building itself is residential—so no snooping inside is possible—across the street you’ll find Hundertwasser Village. Open daily, from 9 am to 6 pm, this is a quirky marketplace-turned-art piece with shops, cafés, and enough eccentricity to keep your camera and curiosity well-fed.
Sitting as an antithetical statement about what architecture can be—a sort of riotous rebuttal to boring buildings— this gloriously eclectic (if not, say, surreal) block of flats explodes with color and curve. From a distance, it looks almost like a lovechild of Gaudí, a Lego set, and a fever dream combined. Consisting of a frenzy of oriel windows, loggias, gilded onion domes, ceramic columns, glass sparkles, roof gardens—and yes, even a salvaged slice of what stood here before 1983—it’s part sculpture, part protest, and part urban jungle. A rainbow having a rave, basically...
Designed in 1985 by the ever-unconventional, avant-garde artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this idiosyncratic building was his answer to what he perceived as the rather soulless modern concrete monotony sprouting across Vienna's suburbs. Further to his credit, and just to make sure his message landed, Hundertwasser refused payment for his work, declaring that the investment was worth it to "prevent something ugly from going up in its place". Mission absolutely accomplished...
So, whenever you're in Vienna, make sure to swing by this photogenic rebel—pure architectural exuberance, gleefully thumbing its nose at the capital’s polished palaces and baroque facades. Because your eyes deserve a holiday too...
Tip:
While the building itself is residential—so no snooping inside is possible—across the street you’ll find Hundertwasser Village. Open daily, from 9 am to 6 pm, this is a quirky marketplace-turned-art piece with shops, cafés, and enough eccentricity to keep your camera and curiosity well-fed.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Vienna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Hundertwasser House on Map
Sight Name: Hundertwasser House
Sight Location: Vienna, Austria (See walking tours in Vienna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Vienna, Austria (See walking tours in Vienna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Vienna, Austria
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Vienna's chocolate scene is deeply rooted in a rich culinary tradition. It has been sustained by several historic chocolate houses, located in the Old Town, that have been serving decadent treats for generations.
Landmark... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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The city met the composer with a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere brought about by some of the top musicians and artists... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
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