Over the years, Villa Werner (or by its more common name, the Klimt Villa) and its garden house have undergone extensive renovations and have been converted into a museum open to the public. Today, the villa serves as an interesting exhibition space about the world of the renowned artist Gustav Klimt. A visit to the villa complex is an excellent opportunity to get out of the city center to the quiet and beautiful areas on the outskirts of Vienna, while at the same time getting a close look at Klimt’s work environment and trying to understand its influence on his extraordinary creations.
This is what Klimt’s life and work looked like
Klimt and the Story of Villa Werner
The building that housed Klimt’s studio was built as early as the mid-19th century. It was a simple one-story house owned by Helene and Josef Hermann. Elisabeth Hermann, the couple’s daughter, was the girlfriend (and eventually wife) of the painter Felix Albrecht-Harta. It is presumed that Klimt, who knew the painter, decided to rent the garden house of the building after the painter recommended the place to him. In 1912, Klimt moved from his city center residence to this villa, which was relatively remote, in the 13th district of the city. Klimt’s studio house was very simple and was surrounded by a blossoming garden – an ideal place for creation and inspiration.
In 1922, about 4 years after Klimt’s death, Helene Hermann began to expand and renovate the building, but due to financial problems, she had to sell the villa to Ernestine Werner. It was Werner who completed the renovations and expansion of the building, and thanks to her, the building received its current beautiful design. Ernestine Werner was married to the Jewish wine merchant Felix Klein, and for this reason, the villa’s design is somewhat reminiscent of the style of villas built by the wealthy Jews of Vienna.
The extensive renovations to the villa changed it beyond recognition, and Klimt’s original studio was also completely altered. The building presented today as Klimt’s studio is not really the place in its original design.
In 1939, the Nazis forced the Klein family to sell the building, and it was returned to its owners only in 1948 after being neglected for a long period. In 1954, the villa was sold to the Republic of Austria and was facing demolition. Eventually, it was decided to keep the villa standing, and further renovations were carried out to preserve its historical value. Today, it serves as an exhibition space for Klimt’s life and work.
The Permanent Exhibition on Klimt’s Life
The exhibition in the villa is one of a kind and includes reconstructed objects and furniture from the artist’s studio, as well as documents and information about his work during the years he lived in this building. A visit to the exhibition will allow you to get a glimpse into Klimt’s world and the environment that influenced his final works.
Additional Essential Information for Visiting the Klimt Villa
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- The exhibition is also open on public holidays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: €10
- Student: €6
Guided tours for groups can be booked in advance. Contact email: info@klimtvilla.at
Official Website
How to get there by public transport?
The villa can be reached via the U4 underground line (the green line). You need to get off at the Unter-St.-Veit station. From there, it is about a 5-minute walk.
Alternatively, you can take the tram line 10 and get off at the Verbindungsbahn stop. From this station, the walk is about 2 minutes.
Address: Feldmühlgasse 11, 1130 Wien
Map:
If you are planning to visit the Klimt Villa, don’t miss a visit to the amazing Schönbrunn Palace and its royal gardens! The palace is a short public transport ride from the villa. You can read comprehensive information about Schönbrunn Palace and all the activities in its vicinity.
