Linke Wienzeile 38, Art Nouveau apartment building in Mariahilf, Austria.
Linke Wienzeile 38 is a six-story residential building whose facade displays nine golden medallions featuring female portraits, surrounded by floral patterns and ornamental details. The corner section has a rounded edge with a loggia on the upper floor, creating a distinctive architectural accent along the street.
The building was designed in 1898 by Otto Wagner as part of his vision to modernize Vienna's residential architecture. Its creation marked a turning point when apartment houses were reimagined as works of art rather than purely functional structures.
The building demonstrates how artistic decoration and daily living were intentionally combined in early 1900s Vienna. Visitors can observe today how ornamental details were integrated into a functioning residential space rather than kept separate from it.
The building is conveniently located near public transportation and can be viewed from the street, though interior spaces remain private residences. The best way to appreciate it is to spend time looking at the facade from different angles to catch all the ornamental details.
The golden medallions with female faces were created by sculptor Othmar Schimkowitz, giving this facade a personal artistic signature. This collaboration between architect and sculptor was uncommon at the time, making the building a rare example of genuine artistic integration into domestic architecture.
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