The Vienna Secession is a contemporary art exhibition space in central Vienna, known for its distinctive building and Gustav Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze. You can visit the permanent frieze alongside changing exhibitions, with practical details on hours, tickets and transport below.
- Location: Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna.
- Building: Designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich and opened in November 1898.
- Typical hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am–6 pm.
- Regular admission: €13 for the Beethoven Frieze and current exhibitions.
The Secession building and its history
The Secession building is a purpose-designed exhibition space by architect Joseph Maria Olbrich, opened to the public in November 1898. Its exhibition rooms occupy several levels, including a main hall with a glass roof, an upper-floor graphic arts cabinet and a three-room gallery in the basement.
The building remains an exhibition venue for contemporary art. It is next to the Naschmarkt and a few minutes from the State Opera and Karlsplatz. For another central art stop, the Albertina Vienna visit guide covers planning a visit to the museum.
Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze
Gustav Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze tells a story of humanity’s yearning for happiness across three walls. Klimt made it for the Secession’s 14th exhibition in 1902, as a tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven on the 75th anniversary of the composer’s death.
The frieze is on permanent display on the building’s second underground level and has been publicly shown there since 1986. If contemporary exhibitions are between installations, the frieze may be the only work available to see.
Exhibitions, tickets and access
Regular admission covers the Beethoven Frieze and current exhibitions. Reduced tickets cost €10 for visitors over 65, and €7.50 for pupils and students under 26, as well as visitors with disabilities and one assistant; children under 12 enter free. Admission is free on the first Wednesday of each month.
Guided tours run every Saturday at 11 am in English and 2 pm in German. The tour fee is €3 and does not include admission.
An audioguide costs €3, or is complimentary for Vienna City Card holders. Groups of 10 or more pay €10 per person and must reserve a time slot in advance; groups are limited to 25 people.
The Beethoven Frieze and parts of the contemporary exhibitions are accessible without steps. An elevator is on the left side of the building; ring the bell or call the front desk at +43-1-587 53 07-14 for assistance. Opening hours, exhibitions and ticket details can change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get to Secession from central Vienna?
From Pension Lerner, Secession is about 1.4 km away. You can browse the three-star bed and breakfast’s rooms.
Karlsplatz is the main public-transport stop for Secession. The Secession’s listed connections include U1, U2 and U4 metro lines to Karlsplatz, plus tram lines D, 1, 2, 62 and 71, bus 59A, and the Badner Bahn to Opernring.
You can plan a broader city-centre outing with a one-day Vienna walk from the old town to the Ring.
FAQs
Where is Secession in Vienna?
It is at Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna, beside the Naschmarkt and a few minutes from Karlsplatz and the State Opera.
Can you see Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze year-round?
The frieze is permanently on display at Secession. During installation phases for contemporary exhibitions, it may be the only work open to visitors.
Is admission free on any regular day?
Yes. Admission is free on the first Wednesday of every month.
Are guided tours available in English?
Yes. An English-language guided tour is offered every Saturday at 11 am. The €3 tour fee is separate from admission.