Secession - Rebellion against Traditional Art

- September 25, 2026

Wish Come True

I visited Vienna in summer 2014 and lately in March/April 2026. Last time my ex-colleague, Kurt, and I passed by the Secession Building (Secessionsgebäude). The golden leaf work dome ("golden cabbage") was extraordinary. But we did not have time to have a close look or walk into the building. It then sat on my bucket list.

Complimentary Visit Once a Month, First Wednesday

After visiting the mother of my pen pal in Spielberg in 2026, I returned to Vienna on 1 April (first Wednesday of the month). Quickly I settled down in the rental apartment in Währing and headed to the Secession Building to enjoy the art with complimentary entry. Simultaneously, contemporary art exhibitions can be visited free of charge once a month.

Origin of Secession

The term "Secession" relates to an important movement in art history. It was formed in 1897 by a group of formidably talented Austrian painters, graphic artists, sculptors and architects, including Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Otto Wagner and Gustav Klimt.

Secession, adjacent to Art Nouveau, is a rebellion to the traditional art. They set out not only to revolutionize the visual arts, but all of aesthetic life. They struck for freedom, vibrancy and a diverse form of artistic expression. By 1898 the Secessionists had begun their own periodical, Ver Sacrum ("Sacred Spring"), and erected their own exhibition hall (the Secession), where they showcased their own art and brought international avant-garde art to Vienna. The Secession exhibitions hall is the artists’ most influential architectural work, designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich, a key pupil and close associate of Wagner's firm.

Klimt's Marvelous Beethoven Frieze

Gustav Klimt was the leader of the Secession Movement. He painted the 34 meter-long (on three walls) Beethoven Frieze in 1902 for the 14th Vienna Secessionist exhibition, inspired by Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Klimt sought to express humanity’s struggle against suffering, temptation and its ultimate redemption through art, love and joy.

Search for and Fulfillment of Happiness

Below summarises the themes and symbolism (from the left to right wall):

Yearning for Happiness	Humanity, represented by fragile figures, longs for joy and fulfillment.
The Knight	A heroic figure urged to fight on behalf of mankind, embodying compassion and ambition.
Hostile Forces	Mythological beings like Typhon and the Gorgons symbolize lust, greed, and suffering – obstacles to happiness.
Redemption through Art	Poetry, music and the arts lead humanity to transcendence.
Final Embrace	A choir of angels and lovers represents universal harmony, echoing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”

Yearning for Happiness

The Knight

Hostile Forces

Redemption through Art

Final Embrace

The frieze was intended only for the exhibition and would be removed thereafter. Light materials were painted directly on the walls. After the exhibition the painting was preserved, though not for display again until 1986. Now it can be viewed at the basement level of the Secession on a permanent basis. Secession is of course not limited to art in the past but embraces modern art. Exhibitions of current artists are shown on a rolling basis. You can check the schedule here.

Spectacular Exterior Decor

The most striking element on the exterior is definitely the golden dome made of over 2,500 gold-plated bronze laurel leaves and 342 berries, crowning the building. The laurel symbolises the “renewal of the union of art and life” as well as the “return to the vital origin of art and culture”.

Emblazoned in gold above the main entrance is the movement’s famous manifesto: Der Zeit ihre Kunst. Der Kunst ihre Freiheit ("To every age its art, to every art its freedom").

Sculptures of three Gorgons (Medusa heads) sculpted by Othmar Schimkowitz sit below the entrance motto, representing the trinity of visual arts: Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture.

I like the two sweet lizards crawling on the sides of the main entrance and the owls on the side wall.

I was lucky to see the Secession with blue sky and great sunshine both on 1 and 5 April 2026. Most of my days in Vienna were cold and cloudy. Nevertheless, the days were very nice and enjoyable.

Nearby Attractions and Wonderful Snack

Nearby is the famous Naschmarkt. It is streets of fresh fruit, farm produce, cheese, Middle East and Asian food, fast food and restaurants. The vibrant colours and wonderful gourmet are the magnet to flocks of tourists. I passed by a shop for Käsekrainer (cheese sausage). The waiting time was long. I had mine at Bitzinger sausage near Albertina. It was fantastic!