The building houses a collection of art exhibitions from the Secession movement which was formed by a group of Austrian artists. Their aim of the movement was to promote the current trends in contemporary art as a protest against Europe’s increasingly conservative art establishment.
What I find particularly eye-catching is the laurel leaves which grabs all the attention, away from the other buildings on the street. It comprised of 3,000 gold-plated leaves and 700 berries that rest on top of the building, symbolizing victory, dignity and purity.
As we walked passed the building, we came upon the Three Gorgons, at the entrance with each having a different symbolic meaning. One is for architecture and the other two represent sculpture and painting. We're not art buffs, so we didn't go inside but we did enjoy the unique architecture from the outside.
Here's a closer look at the three gorgons. They are terrifying creatures in Greek mythology. The eerie set of eyes with the dangling serpents give me the creeps.
That's My World
I really like the gold leaves dome. Nice and intricate. :)
ReplyDeleteThose laurel leaves are totally eye-catching. What a great symbol for victory, dignity and purity.
ReplyDeleteInteresting presentation re three gorgons. We have the same myth character here with snake on his neck and it's called ZUMA. Totally creepy.
Wow! I love that building with gold plated leaves! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThe 3 Gorgons are amazing too! Love the architecture! : )
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite building in Vienna!
ReplyDeleteAnd it is Hundertwasserhaus, not Hungerwassserhaus. "Hundert" means "100" and "Hunger" means "famish" in German :)
From far, far away I can already tell that it is indeed perculiar...maybe because of the globe on top of the building. :P
ReplyDeleteWhat? 3,000 gold-plated leaves? :p Must be something worth a lot aye.
ReplyDelete3 gorgons? They give me the creep alright....the look like they have their souls sucked out. :p
ReplyDeleteDo they have anything to o with Medusa?
I had not heard of this unique building before. The globe of laurel leaves is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this fascinating building with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, fascinating post for the day! Your photos are superb as always. Those gold leaves are awesome! Love the architecture and thanks for sharing some of the history of the place! Love it! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
That's a LOT of gold-plated leaves! But the dome certainly is attention grabbing!
ReplyDeleteThe Laurel Leaves sure caught my eye and the Gorgons with the dangling serpents are fantastic :-).
ReplyDeleteI recognize this even from the thumbnail. when did you came by to visit?
ReplyDeleteThose artists were Gustav Klimt, Josef Hoffmann, Joseph Maria Olbrich, Koloman Moser, Max Kurzweil. :)
ReplyDeleteTravelling Hawk,
ReplyDeleteThanks for correcting my mistakes and for providing the translations, much appreciated.
Tekkaus,
you're absolutely right. Medusa is one of the three Gorgon sisters. the ones found in other European countries are so much creepier than this one.
gmirage,
We paid a visit to Vienna in March last year. so glad we made the trip. there are just so many interesting places to see.
That is a great-looking building, I've never seen it before. That golden dome certainly caught my eye!
ReplyDeletethe gilded dome is especially eye catching. i was not surprise that art is housed in this building.
ReplyDeleteYour architectural shots are stunning. I've never sen anything like the Laurel Leaf dome on top of the building. I see that the other buildings around the Secession are traditional.
ReplyDeleteI love art nouveau! The laurel leaves are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThanks, that is one I too had not come across. The leafy dome is really eye catching as are the other art deco decorations.
ReplyDeletebeautifully captured!
ReplyDeleteThe leafy dome is indeed eye-catching and a gorgeous work of art. It is always interesting to see artists and architects break barriers, especially when one genre overpowers the rest.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen more impressive dome!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful building and your photos are excellent!!!
Greetings
Just marvellous, hope to see this building once in my life. thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteoh I love these photos, esp. the 2nd one! =)
ReplyDeletemy entry here
http://alwaysfilipina.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-crosstitch-kit.html
hope you can visit back!
You've captured the details of the building so well. I love the "leaves".
ReplyDeleteThis was fascinating to both see and to learn about! Such intricate detail both strikingly beautiful and as you say, a bit creepy.:)
ReplyDeleteI live in Vienna that's why I asked :) Glad you enjoyed touring around the city.
ReplyDeleteFantásticas fotografias,esta composición de las gorgonas es muy atrayente.
ReplyDeleteSaludos