Österreichische Volksbank (Austrian National Bank), Bregenz

The building once housed the regional branch of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB), Austria’s central bank founded in 1816. As part of the Eurosystem, the OeNB works with the European Central Bank to manage monetary policy and safeguard financial stability. In the early 20th century, the bank established representative branches in provincial capitals, and this structure served as the Zweiganstalt Bregenz.

Designed in 1925 by architects Ferdinand Glaser and Rudolf Eisler, with construction overseen by Otto Mallaun, the building is officially classified as a Neoclassical representative structure with Expressionist details. Its façade features a portico, sculpted cornucopias symbolizing prosperity, and a diamond-patterned surface. These elements reflect interwar bank architecture, designed to convey reliability and strength.

Today, the OeNB has centralized its regional operations, and public cash services for western Austria are handled at its Innsbruck office. Although the bank no longer operates here, the building remains protected as a historic monument (Denkmalschutz). It stands in the cultural and administrative district near the Vorarlberg Museum and Kunsthaus Bregenz.