At Georg-Coch-Platz 2 in central Vienna, the Postsparkasse is Otto Wagner’s early modernist Postal Savings Bank, built between 1904 and 1906. Its marble-clad façade is marked by visible aluminum details, and the clear lines extend into the building’s interior. Visitors can see the main hall and public exhibitions, including displays at the Angewandte Interdisciplinary Lab, and visit a free museum with construction plans and photographs. The on-site café serves coffee, desserts and lunch or brunch, making this a useful stop for architecture and a break.
Otto Wagner’s design
Designed by Otto Wagner, the Austrian Postal Savings Bank was built between 1904 and 1906 and opened in December 1906. The building is associated with the Vienna Secession, the city’s branch of Art Nouveau.
Its façade combines granite, marble and aluminum. Wagner made aluminum a visible decorative material, rather than concealing it as a technical component. Square marble panels form a precise grid, with aluminum details marking the surface. The restrained lines set the building apart from the more ornamental architecture associated with Vienna’s Ringstrasse.
The hall and museum
The main hall and exhibitions of the Angewandte Interdisciplinary Lab are open to the public. A small museum inside the building presents construction plans, photographs and other details about its design and construction. Admission to the museum is free, and a visit takes about half an hour.
The building also houses departments of the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Public access can be affected by conferences and other events, so check what is open before visiting if you have a particular exhibition or space in mind.
Coffee and events
An on-site café serves coffee, desserts, drinks and lunch or brunch options. It gives you a place to pause after looking around the hall and exhibitions.
Performances sometimes take place near the end of the week. They are not usually held on weekends, when the building is closed to visitors.
FAQ
Is the Postsparkasse museum free?
Yes. The museum is free to enter and displays construction plans, photographs and other details.
How long does a visit take?
The museum takes about 30 minutes. Add time if you want to see the main hall, public exhibitions or café.
Can you visit the Postsparkasse on weekends?
The building is closed to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekdays are a better choice.
Can you get food or coffee at the Postsparkasse?
Yes. The on-site café serves coffee, desserts, drinks and lunch or brunch options.
