Culture Explorer Profile picture
Jan 25 18 tweets 6 min read Read on X
Vienna was once the center of the world, a city where emperors ruled, artists thrived, and ideas that shaped the world were born.

Today, we explore its iconic places that have left an impeccable mark on its history. 🧵 Palace of Justice (Justizpalast) is the seat of the Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) of Austria.  Credit: Christian Escobar on pinterest pin/3659243440187729/
1. Vienna State Opera (1869)

Its opening night featured a performance of Don Giovanni by Mozart, marking the opera house as a global cultural institution from day one. Credit: @ArchitectureTud
2. Schönbrunn Palace (1743)

Napoleon used the palace as his headquarters during the occupation of Vienna in 1805 and 1809, solidifying its place in European history. Photo by Nguyễn Khánh on pinterest pin/802414858637859092/
3: St. Stephen's Cathedral (1137)

In 1945, the cathedral’s roof was severely damaged by fire during World War II, but it was meticulously restored. Image
4. Belvedere Palace (1723)

The palace hosted the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, marking Austria’s regained independence after World War II.
5. The Hofburg (1279)

It served as the imperial residence of the powerful Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. Image
6. Kunsthistorisches Museum (1891)

The museum was inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph I and has since housed one of the most extensive art collections in the world. Credit: Elena Sanchez on pinterest pin/441915782204949240/
7. Karlskirche (1737)

Built to celebrate the end of the plague epidemic, it remains a powerful symbol of faith and resilience in Vienna’s history. Credit: ♡Mari♡ on pinterest pin/4714774603535171/
If you're loving this thread on Vienna, why not subscribe to my free newsletter? Get exclusive deep dives into hidden gems, history, and culture you won’t find anywhere else.
thecultureexplorer.beehiiv.com/subscribe
8. Justizpalast (1881)

The palace gained historical significance during the 1927 July Revolt when it was set on fire by protestors, marking a pivotal moment in Austria’s political history. Image
9. Albertina Museum (1744)

During World War II, the museum safeguarded priceless artworks by wrapping them in protective materials and storing them underground.
10. Hundertwasserhaus (1985)

The unique architectural design by Friedensreich Hundertwasser challenged traditional city planning, making it a landmark of modern creativity. Image
11. Volksgarten (1823)

It was created over the ruins of city fortifications destroyed by Napoleon, transforming destruction into beauty and public leisure. Photo on pinterest pin/996210380059950286/
12. Graben and Kohlmarkt (14th century)

These streets were historically part of Vienna’s medieval fortifications and later transformed into the city’s most luxurious shopping districts. Credit: Scootertourvienna on pinterest  pin/14355292555549835/
13. Café Central (1876)

A legendary meeting spot for intellectuals, it was frequented by figures like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky, making it a hub of revolutionary ideas and literary discussions. Image
14. MuseumQuartier (1713, modernized 2001)

Once imperial stables, the space was transformed into a contemporary cultural hub, blending history with modern art and entertainment. Image
15. Vienna City Hall (1883)

The Rathaus became a focal point of political and social change, hosting major events such as the proclamation of the First Austrian Republic in 1918. Photo by roliathBrickworx on flickr
How many of these stunning locations have you visited?

Any that should be added to this list?

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
 

Keep Current with Culture Explorer

Culture Explorer Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @CultureExploreX

Jan 26
Modern art is becoming classical again!

These sculptors prove that classical techniques are thriving and turning heads worldwide. 🧵 Kris Kuksi's Tribulation (2015) is a breathtakingly intricate sculpture that feels like a dystopian cathedral come to life.
1. Jago (Jacopo Cardillo)

Jago’s been called the ‘modern Michelangelo’—do you agree?

His marble sculptures are so raw and lifelike, they almost seem to breathe
2. Benjamin Victor

When your work ends up in the U.S. Capitol, you know you're doing something right.

Victor’s sculptures bring classical artistry to modern icons, packed with emotion and dignity. Image
Read 23 tweets
Jan 24
Classical Art isn't a thing of the past - it's just as alive today.

The stunning painting below is by a modern master, Cesar Santos, but he is just one of many ... 🧵 Cuban American artist Cesar Santos combines different art styles in his series "Syncretism." He mixes elements from the Renaissance, Modern, Classic, and Contemporary eras to create unique, blended artworks.
1. Erik Armusik

Erik Armusik brings a dramatic intensity to classical realism, blending rich narratives with masterful technique.

His work evokes the grandeur of the Old Masters while reflecting contemporary themes. Image
2. Graydon Parrish

Known for his meticulous technique and allegorical themes, Parrish's work reflects a deep commitment to classical realism. Realism figure painting - Graydon Parrish, "Carmen," 2019, oil on polyester, 78 x 60 1/4 in., private collection Graydon Parrish, “Carmen,” 2019, oil on polyester, 78 x 60 1/4 in., private collection
Read 23 tweets
Jan 23
Great characters transcend their stories.

Some mirror our deepest fears and desires, while others challenge the way we see the world.

These iconic literary figures still captivate us today— a few might just surprise you. 🧵 Romeo and Juliet by Frank Bernard Dicksee  Romeo and Juliet, the star-crossed lovers, have become synonymous with youthful passion and tragic love. Interestingly, Shakespeare’s play was inspired by earlier Italian tales of doomed romance.
1. Hamlet (William Shakespeare)

Hamlet, the brooding Prince of Denmark, has become a symbol of existential struggle and internal conflict.

Interestingly, the phrase “to be or not to be” was originally absent from early drafts of the play and underwent revisions over time. The gravedigger scene by Eugène Delacroix (1839)
2. Frodo Baggins (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Frodo Baggins’ journey to destroy the One Ring symbolizes the burden of responsibility and self-sacrifice.

Tolkien first conceived of Frodo as “Bingo,” a lighthearted character, before evolving him into a serious protagonist. Image
Read 23 tweets
Jan 22
Hi, I'm Lisa di Antonio Gherardini Giocondo, but you probably know me as the Madonna Lisa.

For centuries, my portrait has fascinated millions. Want to know why? Image
Leonardo da Vinci painted me, and today, I'm the most famous artwork in the world.

I've been through a lot—hanging in Napoleon's bedroom, stolen from the Louvre (yes, Picasso was a suspect!), and even attacked with acid, rocks, and cake. Napoleon Bonaparte With Mona Lisa Painting Hanging In His Bedroom  This is not a real photo.
In the 1960s, I went on tour and was valued at $100 million.

By 2014, inflation pushed that estimate to $2.5 billion!

But guess what? They never insured me because the premiums were higher than top-tier security costs. Image
Read 20 tweets
Jan 21
America isn't just skyscrapers and strip malls—it's packed with jaw-dropping architectural masterpieces you never knew existed.

These stunning buildings will completely change how you view the nation's history and beauty. 🧵 Hotel Union Station at Saint Louis, MO Photo by besttravelphotos on pinterest /pin/298926493988171011/
New York Stock Exchange (New York, NY, 1903)

A neoclassical masterpiece featuring a grand portico with Corinthian columns and intricate sculptures. Credit: Pablo Fernández on Flickr
The Rookery Building (Chicago, IL, 1888)

A blend of Romanesque and early modern design, featuring a stunning light-filled atrium. Image
Read 21 tweets
Jan 21
Some illustrations do more than catch the eye—they expose hidden truths and challenge how we perceive society.

How do these 15 thought-provoking works shape our culture and identity in ways we rarely consider? 🧵

1. Igor Morski is a Polish painter, illustrator and graphic designer
2. Image
3. Image
Read 15 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Don't want to be a Premium member but still want to support us?

Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal

Or Donate anonymously using crypto!

Ethereum

0xfe58350B80634f60Fa6Dc149a72b4DFbc17D341E copy

Bitcoin

3ATGMxNzCUFzxpMCHL5sWSt4DVtS8UqXpi copy

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us!

:(