[VIENNA, AUSTRIA]: [Day 2] Kunsthistorisches museum, Cafe Mozart, State opera (swan lake)

Where to start for the Kunsthistorisches museum?

The building was commissioned by the Hasburg family to showcase their large collection of art and armor and an interesting side note is that the planning started in 1857, but it was not 10 years later until the competition was held. Although the original building plan was submitted by Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer, Gottfried Semper was called in as an advisor and then later commissioned to complete the plan initated by Hasenauer.

The building is largely inspired by how urban planning is done in ancient Rome, which mirrored the exterior of the Naturhistorisches museum across the Maria-Theresian Platz. Upon entering the building, you will be amazed by the majestic staircase and the cupola hall.

Antonio Canova’s “Theseus Slaying the Centaur”

Fresco painting completed by Gustav Klimt - on history of ancient Egyptian art to modern age.

I could spend the whole day in this museum, and I'd recommend dropping by at the cafe at the Capola hall to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and be dazzled by it's ornated marble decor.

Matching patterns

I think Cafe Mozart is a little over-rated, but I can understand why people go there. Unbeatable location, but I don't think the food quality is up to standard so I am just going to leave it as that and move on to State Opera, which is a lot lot more worth mentioning!

The industrial revolution and the rise of Bourgeoise in the 19th century meant that a class of industrialists and bankers now emerged, accumulating great wealth and a keen sense of greater, more "aesthetically-correct" entertainments such as collecting paintings, antiques, going to theaters and concerts. The State Opera when it was finished, however, was criticized as not having the same level of glamour as the Heinrichshof and called it only a "Half success".

The Heinrichshof (destroyed in WWII)

The architect, Eduard van der Nüll could not handle the public criticism that he committed suicide in 1868. The emperor was so shocked by Eduard van der Null's suicide that from then on, he did not say a single criticism to any new art development.

Despite this tragic history, it is now considered as one of the most renowned opera in the world.

I got my tickets for the Swan Lake, which tells a love story of a Princess (Odette), who has been casted a spell to become a swan by day and could only turn into human form by night. The Vienna Staatsoper Ballet's swan lake was choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev, a prominent artist who danced as Prince Siegfried (51 out of 126 performances between 1964-1988).

Even after this magical night of performance, I can still remember the detail crystal clear, and in awe as to how beautiful the human body can adapt to such rhythmic flows. It's about precision and control, as well as emotions and expressions.

(Side note: yes there's standing tickets at less than 5 euro, but ballets are usually 3 hours long so I'd say save the standing tickets for something else instead!) For more information about standing tickets etiquette and buying strategies, click here.