Art Nouveau Vienna
Vienna’s Metro Pavilions, also known as the Stadtbahn Pavilions, are architectural treasures that beautifully blend function and artistry. Designed by the renowned architect Otto Wagner in the late 19th century, these pavilions were originally built as entrance buildings for the city’s historic Stadtbahn (urban railway), the precursor to today’s U-Bahn.
The most famous examples are found at Karlsplatz, where two elegant green-and-white pavilions showcase Wagner’s signature Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style. Adorned with floral motifs, gilded accents, and graceful curves, these structures are beloved landmarks and a testament to Vienna’s innovative spirit at the turn of the century.
Today, one pavilion houses a small Otto Wagner museum, while the other serves as a café, allowing visitors to soak up the atmosphere of Vienna’s golden age of design. The pavilions are a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in the city’s rich cultural heritage.