Schiller monument, Vienna

The Schiller monument is a bronze statue of German playwright Friedrich Schiller on a decorated pedestal in the Inner City. The central figure is surrounded by four corner statues that make this an elaborate sculptural ensemble.

Artist Johannes Schilling created this monument in 1876, when Vienna was transforming after the removal of the city fortifications. The work emerged during a major period of urban redesign throughout the Inner City.

The four corner statues show different human life stages through a mother with child, a youth, an adult man, and an elderly person. These figures tell a story about human existence that often appeared in Schiller's works.

The monument sits near the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna with good accessibility from surrounding pathways. Karlsplatz station nearby provides convenient access to public transportation.

Relief panels at the base show symbolic elements including a pelican with chicks, Minerva's head, and Pegasus. These symbols relate to themes in Schiller's work such as family, protection, and artistic inspiration.

Location: Vienna

Location: Innere Stadt

Inception: 1876

Creator: Johannes Schilling

Official opening: November 10, 1876

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Schillerplatz

GPS coordinates: 48.20211,16.36549

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:25