Temple of Theseus, Neoclassical temple in Volksgarten, Vienna, Austria
The Temple of Theseus is a white neoclassical peripteral temple in the Volksgarten, built 1819–1823 to plans by Peter von Nobile. It measures 14 by 24.7 metres and stands 10.5 metres high on a three-tiered stepped base, with six fluted columns across the front and ten along the side. A plain frieze and empty pediment sit above the columns, and a dark recessed doorway opens behind the front row.
The building was completed in 1823 by architect Pietro Nobile and originally housed Antonio Canova's famous marble sculpture of Theseus. This work emerged during the height of the neoclassical movement in Austria.
Since 1991 the temple has served as a backdrop for temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Artists shown there include Ron Mueck in 2016, Maurizio Cattelan in 2019 and George Nuku in 2022. The empty pediment and metopes, without carved motifs, contrast with the changing installations.
The building sits in Volksgarten and is easily reached via park paths, with wheelchair access from the main park entrance. The best time to visit is on quieter weekdays when fewer park visitors are present.
Because the temple stands on the site of the former castle moat, its foundations had to reach deep underground; the hollow space between them was roofed over and used for a collection of Roman monuments. The separate entrance building was later demolished, and only a large manhole cover now marks the spot.
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