MuseumsQuartier Wien combines culture and relaxation
MuseumsQuartier has a long and dynamic history. In the 18th century it served as the Imperial Horse Stables for the Holy Roman Emperors. Before and after World War II it was used as an exhibition area. Over the years, the complex of buildings transformed into a cultural location. MuseumsQuartier received its present name in 2001.
MQ Wien is a centre for art, theatre, music and architecture, as well as fashion, dance, literature and design. Events don’t just happen in the museums and buildings, but also in the busy courtyards between the buildings.
Enzi and Enzo: The modifiable courtyard furniture
The courtyards of MQ are an oasis of entertainment and relaxation and one of the favourite hangouts of the locals. Beloved is also the courtyard furniture called Enzi, which was designed in 2003 and quickly turned into a cult piece. The original Enzi and its successor Enzo dot the courtyards of the MQ. They serve as public seating option, which has become so popular that, on a beautiful summer night, it can be quite tricky to nab an empty one.
To keep things fresh, Enzi and Enzo get a new colour every year, and since 2007 the colour for the next season is subject to public voting. Enzi and Enzo aren’t just a comfortable seating option, but a veritable architectural element at MuseumsQuartier Wien. In Winter the elements get stacked to create the punch booths of the MQ Christmas Market. The lines between art and leisure blur.
Culture and creatives at MQ Wien
MuseumsQuartier is home to many museums. Leopold Museum houses the world’s biggest collection of Egon Schiele’s works, as well as highlights in art nouveau and classical modernism.
Tanzquartier Wien is Austria’s first Center for Contemporary Dance, Performance, Art, and Theory. Furthermore, Wiener Festwochen and many international productions also take place at MuseumsQuartier, at Halle E+G.
Another focal point at MQ is entertainment for children. DSCHUNGEL WIEN is a Theatre for Young Audiences, meanwhile the ZOOM Kindermuseum is a hands-on museum for kids, which has made many an adult wish they were young enough to go in as well.
Meanwhile, quartier21 has become the home of a creative cluster of innovative, artistic projects, small and medium-sized cultural initiatives, game culture, street art, etc. The courtyards of MuseumsQuartier also offer plenty of options for refreshment and relaxation, from patio cafés, bars and shops to the many restaurants with international menus.
Year-round entertainment a stone’s throw from the hotel
The best part about MuseumsQuartier Wien is, that all its cultural and recreative possibilities are within easy reach from the Grand Ferdinand. You can saunter over from the hotel on a mild evening to find yourself room on an Enzi, to relax by the fountain in the biggest courtyard, or to dine al fresco in one of the MQ restaurants.
In Winter, try your hand at curling in the middle of that same courtyard and then limber up drinking punch at one of the Christmas market stands. Or you could plan ahead and book something that interests you from the varied programme in advance. Either way, you’ll soon notice the tourist feeling slipping away. Because once you’ve discovered the MuseumsQuartier Wien you’ll feel just like a local.
