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 dates back to the mid-19th century. It began as a simple one-story house owned by Helene and Josef Hermann. Their daughter, Elisabeth Hermann, was the partner (and later wife) of painter Felix Albrecht-Harta. It is believed that Klimt knew Albrecht-Harta and decided to rent the garden house after he recommended it.
In 1912, Klimt moved from his city-center residence to this villa in Vienna’s 13th district. The simple studio, surrounded by a blooming garden, offered an ideal setting for creativity and inspiration.
In 1922, four years after Klimt’s death, Helene Hermann began expanding and renovating the building but had to sell it due to financial difficulties. Ernestine Werner completed the renovation and gave the villa its present appearance. She was married to Jewish wine merchant Felix Klein, which is reflected in the villa’s elegant design, reminiscent of affluent Viennese Jewish residences.
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 the owners regained it only in 1948 after a long period of neglect. In 1954, the Klein family sold the villa to the Republic of Austria, which initially considered demolishing it. Eventually, authorities decided to preserve the villa and carried out further renovations to protect 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 Your Visit
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: €12
- Seniors: €10
- Student: €8
Please book guided tours for groups 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.
