Secession, Vienna

Secession is an exhibition building for contemporary art, completed in 1898 by architect Joseph Maria Olbrich. It was created as an architectural manifesto for the Vienna Secession, an artists’ movement that broke away from Vienna’s established art institution. The building remains an artist-run exhibition venue centred on international contemporary art.

Its smooth, compact form is crowned by a remarkable openwork dome made from gilded ironwork. The dome’s nickname, Krauthappel, comes from Viennese popular speech. Above the entrance, the movement’s motto reads, “Der Zeit ihre Kunst, der Kunst ihre Freiheit.”

A sculptural group of three gorgons beneath it represents painting, sculpture, and architecture. The entrance doors were designed by Georg Klimt, Gustav Klimt’s brother, while the gorgons are by Othmar Schimkowitz. Gustav Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze, made for an exhibition in 1902, is now displayed permanently in the building’s lower level.

The structure also appears on the national side of Austria’s 50-cent coin. Look at the entrance, the dome, and the sculptural details around the portal: this building presents its artistic programme directly on its exterior.