In 1902, Klimt created one of his most famous works, the Beethoven Frieze, for an exhibition of the Secession movement.
The entire show was an homage to Ludwig van Beethoven. Klimt’s monumental frieze greeted visitors in the entrance hall. Thirty-four meters wide and two meters high is this opulent, ornamental "symphony"; in which Klimt sought to immortalize Beethoven's "Ninth" and its interpretation by Richard Wagner.
Not only contemporaries were deeply impressed by this work - the world at large is still showing its appreciation. Originally, the cycle was intended to be dismantled once the exhibition had ended. A collector bought the frieze in 1903 and removed it from the wall, separating it into seven pieces. In 1973, the Republic of Austria bought the valuable work and made it accessible to the public in 1986 in a room specially created for it in the Secession.
As was the case during Klimt's time, the Secession building is still devoted to contemporary art in changing exhibitions, which can be viewed during guided tours (also in conjunction with the Beethoven Frieze). At the Museum Shop, you can acquire attractive reproductions of details from the frieze as well as books about Gustav Klimt.
Overview tour every Saturday, 11 a.m. in English or individual visit with an audioguide (German, English, French, Italian, Polish, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish). Savings: 3€
People with disabilities pay the discounted admission price, companions enjoy free admission. Audio guide free with the Vienna City Card
Comments
Main exhibition rooms accessible by elevator. Access to all exhibition rooms: elevator. Elevator: door width: 80 cm, cabin depth: 105 cm, cabin width: 80 cm. Beethoven Frieze (basement): elevator. Drawing Room: 24 steps.
