Over the past weeks we have told you about the Majolikahaus and Klöstergasse 3. Two of the three Houses of the Wienzeile designed by Otto Wagner. Today it’s time to tell you a bit about the 3rd hours, located at Linke Wienzeile 38. Sometimes referred to as the Musenhaus (House of the Muse).
Built together with the neighboring Majolikahaus in 1898, the Musenhaus wraps around the corner of the Wienzeile and Klöstegasse. With a spectacular, circular façade adorned with delicate gold ornamentation designed by the famous artist Koloman Moser. The building is crowned by the ‘Ruferinnen’. Sculptures of female busts crying out into the world. These sculptures were created by Othmar Schimkowitz. An artist whose work can be found on many of Vienna‘s most famous Jugendstil buildings. Including the Secession, the Postsparkasse, and the Kirche am Steinhof.
Originally, according to Wagner’s plans, the ground floor of the building was meant to house a coffee shop. It ultimately became home to a bank that now belongs to Bank Austria. The building as a whole has been privately owed by the Kohn family since 1914. With the exception of the Nazi period, during which the building was illegally seized, and a vegetarian restaurant was opened on the ground floor. The Kohn family was forced to flee to South America. They remained during the war. Only reclaiming their rightful ownership of the building in 1947. The building continues to be in the private ownership of the Kohn family to this day.
Although we assume the name ‘Musenhaus’ may have to do with the bold female sculptures on top of the building, we have not been able to find any actual explanation for the name. Who are the muses? Why do we call it ‘Musenhaus’? Perhaps one of you knows the answers and can help us to solve this mystery! (C.G.)
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