Current Exhibition:

When Vienna was liberated in early April 1945, the city was characterized by destruction, housing shortages, hunger, and cold. Nonetheless, culture came back right away. On April 27, arts events resumed on the orders of Soviet officers. Shortly thereafter, the other Allies – France, Great Britain and the USA – also became culturally active. The resulting influx of international culture was unprecedented in the city’s history.

Accompanying the country’s economic and political reconstruction, the many activities were intended to create the emotional basis for the emergence of a distinct national consciousness – in other words, the development of an identity independent of Germany.

The exhibition sheds light on the formative influence of the diverse cultural offerings. It documents a transformative project that lives on to the present day – the creation of a democratic Austria.

Curators: Oliver Rathkolb, Elisabeth Heimann-Leitner, Anne Wanner
Curatorial assistance / research assistant: Tobias Hofbauer, Anna Jungmayr, Bruno Pöchacker, Liana Popa, Lisa-Marie Schett
Exhibition graphics: Fuhrer, Vienna

Viewings:

Viewings are available on Tuesday and Thursdays, excluding U.S. and Austrian holidays, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Rgistration is required, please send an e-mail to washington-id@bmeia.gv.at.

With support from:

The official opening took place on April 30, 2025 with opening remarks by Ambassador Petra Schneebauer and a concise introduction by curator Oliver Rathkolb. Guest of honor was Helene von Damm, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria during the Reagan Administration.

All photos Chantall Hatzenbichler/ Embassy of Austria