06.08.2026
The Wiener Stadthalle: a master of transformation
Austria’s largest event venue is a true chameleon. Even the laying of the foundation stone caused quite a stir in Vienna.
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Construction and vision: between renewal and applause
A new vision began to take shape in post-war Vienna of the 1950s — a meeting place that would serve both as a centre of entertainment and as a symbol of reconstruction and political renewal. The commission was awarded to city architect Roland Rainer, whose goal was to create perfect harmony between architecture and interior design. His concept succeeded: this prestigious building marked the beginning of a new era in Viennese architecture.
Even the laying of the foundation stone caused a sensation that reached far beyond Austria’s borders. Thousands of onlookers flocked to the ceremony, gathering around a granite slab weighing two and a half tonnes. Symbolic objects were sealed inside beneath it: newspapers, telephone directories, the Viennese coat of arms and the names of honorary citizens — all intended to be preserved for eternity, a lasting piece of the city’s history.
The construction itself was a mammoth enterprise: 2,900 blueprints, 110,000 cubic metres of earth, 11,500 tonnes of cement and 440,000 bricks were used to bring this Viennese landmark to life. Its distinctive roof still adorns the Stadthalle logo today. Rainer placed great emphasis on collaborating with contemporary artists, leading to the creation of several installations and sculptures — including works by Fritz Wotruba — as part of the project. At the heart of the Wiener Stadthalle, Hall D regularly welcomes up to 16,000 visitors. Today, alongside its main event halls, the complex also houses an ice rink and a swimming pool.
Vienna’s stage with a thousand faces
“A UFO has landed in Vienna” the press reported in 1958 at the time of the opening — and once again, excitement swept through the city. The Wiener Stadthalle was one of Europe’s very first multi-purpose arenas and, from the very beginning, a place where people came together. On opening day, stars from the worlds of sport, music and dance took to the stage. Athletes from fencing, boxing, weightlifting and martial arts demonstrated their skills, and even the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters travelled in all the way from Chicago. The Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic joined forces — for the first and only time in history — to perform as a single orchestra. Children’s choirs, speeches and performances by the Vienna State Opera Ballet rounded off the festive programme.
In the decades that followed, the Stadthalle remained a true master of transformation: Jazz legend Louis Armstrong, pop icon Paul Anka and countless boxing matches all graced its stages. The programme — then as now — was as diverse as its audience. Over the years, the venue has hosted everything from hairdressing competitions to temporary accommodation for political refugees, from cabaret festivals to Oktoberfest celebrations in full Bavarian style.
Evening wind-down in the neighbourhood
Speaking of beer — after an event at the Stadthalle, it’s well worth exploring the surrounding neighbourhood. Once a working-class district, it has long since evolved into one of Vienna’s trendier corners. Cosy bars and traditional coffeehouses such as the long-established Café Weidinger invite you to linger. And for those wishing to make the evening a little longer, a short stroll across the Gürtel ring road leads to Burggasse, a street where bars, boutiques and restaurants sit side by side — the perfect place to round off the night in relaxed Viennese style.
Author:: Beatrix Kouba