Travel Tips

What is an Atelier? I first heard this word in October 2000, and had no idea what it was. According to the Viennese, an Atelier is a kind of glass house near to residential buildings where an artist will put his/her works on display. Ateliers can also be used as art studios.

The Atelier Augarten certainly fits this definition. It is located beside many residential flats at the front of the Augarten (green space) in the Second District near the Prater.

Currently, the exhibition is entitled "Objekte: Skulptur in Oesterreich nach '45". Translated - Objects: Sculptures in Austria after 1945.

The Atelier, in my opinion, is uninspiring. There are basically three or four rooms: (1) Reception and Shop (2) objects dedicated to the the Cold War - you won't believe the "Two Bombs Making Love" skuplture (3) the Alphabet room - bread mounted on the wall next to letters of the alphabet (4) a room with pipes hanging from the ceiling.

The only reason I visited the Atelier was because entry was pre-paid for with my joint-ticket to the Upper and Lower Belvedere museums. I was hugely disappointed.

After viewing the objects in the Atelier, I asked the lady at Reception if there was more to see. She directed me to the Gustinus Ambrosi-Museum, the saving grace of this Atelier.

Inside the museum, one will find aproximately 40 beautiful marble sculptures: larger-than-life human forms, some heads, some torsos, and some busts.

Both the Atelier and the Museum are located at Scherzergasse 1a in the Second District.

Opening Times:
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Entrance Fees:
Adults ATS 60
Students/under 26 years old ATS 30
Children under 14 FREE