Villa Beer in Hietzing: Insights into Vienna’s Most Spectacular Residence

The renovated Villa Beer in Vienna’s 13th district is an impressive historical landmark and has been open to the public for guided visits since March 2026. We’ll show you why this masterpiece by Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Villa Beer: Where Viennese Modernism Found Its Lightness

Its origins remain mysterious, but its legacy is all the more celebrated: Villa Beer, in the heart of Hietzing, is considered one of the key works of Viennese Modernism. While the Looshaus at Michaelerplatz provoked with its architectural style—mockingly nicknamed the “house without eyebrows” because of its plain façade and lack of decorative elements—Villa Beer in the 13th district captivates with its generous spatial design. Adolf Loos’s Raumplan concept was reinterpreted here in a more livable, residential form. Join us as we explore the story of this 650-square-meter architectural masterpiece.

The Concept: Living as an Art Form

Nestled among grand villas, Villa Beer was designed by architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach between 1929 and 1930. Today, it is one of the city’s most famous private residences and feels more modern than many new buildings. The villa was commissioned by the Jewish, art-loving couple Julius and Margarethe Beer. Due to professional setbacks and financial difficulties, they lived in the house only briefly.

The architect duo created a flowing overall concept that included both the garden design and the interior furnishings. Rooms of varying heights were all given access to the outdoors and were designed to flow seamlessly into one another, creating a landscape of spaces. At the center of this composition stood the staircase. The three-story House Beer was completed within just one year.

Why Villa Beer Is a Must-Visit in 2026

After an extensive and costly renovation, the listed building and its garden have been open to the public since spring 2026. Architecture and design enthusiasts can gain fascinating insights into this icon of Viennese Modernism.

The venue will also host events in the future: exclusive tours, readings, concerts, and discussion formats take place in this “house of culture.”

A Walk Through Hietzing: Architecture Hopping

Villa Beer is just a short walk from the famous Vienna Werkbund Estate. It was built around the same time as House Beer under the artistic direction of architect Josef Frank. More than thirty renowned architects contributed to its design. Lovers of modern architecture can trace the development of Viennese Modernism here within a compact area.

For a relaxing break with coffee and cake, one of Hietzing’s traditional coffeehouses is well worth a visit. Among the best-known addresses are Kurkonditorei Oberlaa and Café Dommayer, both tempting visitors with warm pastries, cakes, desserts, and breakfast offerings. For especially elegant surroundings and classic Viennese coffee specialties, visit the Schlosscafé at Parkhotel Schönbrunn.

Practical Information: Tickets & Getting There

Villa Beer, Wenzgasse 12, 1130 Vienna

Villa Beer does not offer parking facilities, so we recommend arriving by public transport. The house is just a few minutes’ walk from the U4 station Braunschweiggasse, the Wenzgasse tram stop (line 10), and Gloriettegasse (line 60).

New time slots for visits are released every Monday for the following 12 weeks. Guided tours take place from Wednesday to Sunday and last 90 minutes. Visitors can gain deeper insights through themed tours. Those who want to immerse themselves even further can even stay overnight and experience what it feels like to live in the villa.

You can register for guided tours here

Did You Know? – 3 Facts About Villa Beer

1. Size: The house spans four floors and was built for rubber manufacturer Julius Beer.

2. Philosophy of Living: Josef Frank rejected strict functionalism—for him, a house had to feel “comfortable” and “warm.”

3. Preservation: For many years, the villa remained privately owned and nearly fell into disrepair before being preserved as a national monument.