Wiener Konzerthaus

When the Vienna Concert Hall opened in 1913 after only two years of construction, it was one of the most modern large buildings in the Danube Monarchy. It was built by the famous theater architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Gottlieb Helmer in collaboration with Ludwig Baumann, and it set new standards in terms of architecture, visitor friendliness, construction, and building services. The interior design reflected the almost 40 years of experience of the architectural firms Helmer and Fellner: the foyer areas and stairwells allowed the unhindered flow of around 4,000 people; the three halls – all located on one level and yet acoustically independent of each other – could be used in parallel or together for one event; the acoustics and atmosphere of the building were ideal for a wide range of cultural events; the layout and distribution of the catering facilities, with buffets, a coffee house, and three restaurants, met all the social requirements of a modern concert venue. The spaciousness and comfort of the facility impressed audiences and critics alike, as they had been previously unknown in Vienna's traditional music scene.