Visiting Hundertwasser Haus and Museum

Alain started Sunday June 16 with his second run in Vienna - 8.5 km.  Another warm day, but a bit muggy.  The Naschmarkt is closed on Sunday as are most of the stores.  Our first destination was the Hundertwasser Haus, an architectural commission done by Friedensreich Hundertwasser to jazz up an existing social housing project.  It was completed in 1985.  Hundertwasser added amazing colourful facings, onion domes, and uneven floors in his "war on the straight line."

On the way, we passed this great building with a magic shop and a rabbit in a hat.

VIenna Magic Tricks!

We learned that Hundertwasser was an early proponent of green roofs, as far back as the 1950s.  He was also an environmentalist opposed to nuclear power.  There is an incredible amount of greenery in and around the Hundertwasser Haus.  Unfortunately, due to the many tourists, one cannot go into the building.  However, a short film in a neighbouring cafe shows the inside of an apartment, with lots of colourful tiles and uneven floors.

Hundertwasser Haus from the front

Colourful tiles on wall

Door detail

Other side of the building

Lots of thcolourful columns

We then went to Kunsthaus Wien which houses the Museum Hundertwasser which includes a cross-section of his work, including paintings, graphic works, architectural designs and examples of his ecological commitment.  The building was designed by Hundertwasser at a former furniture factory.  It opened in 1991.  Very imaginative and fun museum.  The first two floors contain his work and the top two floors are for temporary exhibits, often photography.  We saw a great exhibit of Linda McCartney's photographs.

Outside of the Museum

Another photo of the outside

Sloped floor with coloured mosaics

We really enjoyed his use of colour.

Mourning Shiele 1965

The Neighbours Spiral Sun and Moon House 1963

Yellow Houses 1966

United Nations Stamp- Human Rights  1948-83

Hundertwasser also designed a number of "new flags", including a peace flag for Israel and Arab nations.

Peace flag

Raindrop Counter 1981

Fly Colour Fly- Japan 1989

Colourful columns and plants

The temporary exhibit of Linda McCartney's photos was excellent.  She captured many of the 60's musicians in relaxed poses.  Later, she focussed on her family.  I only managed to take photographs of a few of her pieces, but I loved this one of Jimi Hendrix.  She died at age 56 of breast cancer.

Jimi Hendrix

Paul in Scotland

A wonderful shot of Paul

We had a coffe in the wonderful overgrown garden behind the museum.

Paul shaving in the bath

Alain in the museum garden

We walked back along the Danube Canal (a very muddy colour).  We passed by an outdoor pool and huge floating deck full of people.  Probably only the first or second swimming day of the season, but a mini heat wave is expected for the next three or four days.

Pool party on the Danube Canal

Again, we passed people sitting outdoors watching a live performance of Wagner's Die Walkure at the Opera House.  The Opera had started at 5:00 p.m. and we passed by at about 6:15 p.m. during intermission.  A very nice aspect of the Vienna summer scene.

Our friends Ariella and Tony took us to a summer outdoor eating place called Summer Stage which houses a number of restaurants that are just open for the summer.  We went to Riva, which serves Naples style pizza.  It was great sitting outdoors with our Aperol Spritz's and pizza.  

Another full day in Vienna.  Again, I'm finishing the blog on Monday morning.  This will be our last full day here.