Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank), Vienna

Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank), Vienna

The Postsparkasse building in Vienna, built by Otto Wagner in 1903, revolutionized architecture in Vienna. An early example of a building done with a steel grid system, and then reinforced with concrete, this type of construction is now done the world over, and is considered pretty much standard fair; however, in the early 1900s, the secessionist design and choice of materials were – and still are – considered a marvel to behold. You need only compare it with the nearby structures, especially the pompous ministry building at the other end of the park, to feel what a revolution this must have been.

The building's clear lines and cool elegance, achieved by the usage of steel, concrete and glass, give it a solid and impenetrable look. The skylight in the main hall nevertheless allows for natural light to reach the interior of the building, making it light and airy at the same time.

On weekdays, you can explore the back section of the building which houses a museum (entrance is free) dedicated to Otto Wagner and his building, along with various temporary exhibitions on design. There's a good documentary (in German only) about Wagner's life and work, detailing how he designed everything in the Postsparkasse – even down to the chairs and tables used. And it's all there to see, along with plans. Well worth a visit.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am–5pm

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Vienna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank) on Map

Sight Name: Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank)
Sight Location: Vienna, Austria (See walking tours in Vienna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Vienna, Austria

Create Your Own Walk in Vienna

Create Your Own Walk in Vienna

Creating your own self-guided walk in Vienna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Vienna Introduction Walking Tour II

Vienna Introduction Walking Tour II

The former capital of the once mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire and the second largest city in the German-speaking world after Berlin, today's Vienna is still much revered for its great historic and cultural past, as well as present. The abundance of imperial palaces, diverse museums and historic churches attracts millions of international guests to Vienna each year. This introduction walk,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour I

Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour I

To see some of Vienna’s most architecturally intriguing buildings, take this self-guided walking tour that will introduce you to the city's 20th-century landmarks, most of which revolve around the Viennese Secession movement, or the Austrian Art Nouveau. From Otto Wagner's massive Postsparkasse to the towering Urania Observatory, these then unconventional buildings brought an...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Vienna Introduction Walking Tour I

Vienna Introduction Walking Tour I

A city of green parks, opulent architecture and elegant shopping, crowded theatres and boulevards for leisurely sauntering—Vienna is rightfully regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The etymology of its name is subject to a debate in which some say it comes from vedunia ("forest stream"), which subsequently produced the Old High German “uuenia” (“wenia”), the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Johann Strauss Walking Tour

Johann Strauss Walking Tour

Strauss Jr. succeeded his father (Johann Strauss Sr.) as Vienna's "Waltz King", and surpassed him at it. Strauss Jr.'s waltz compositions are widely considered the most famous of the Viennese waltzes, so how can you visit Vienna and not pay homage to the iconic composer? From the family home to the gold-plated statue in the Stadtpark to the theater where the musician introduced...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Old Town Churches Walking Tour

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Sacred buildings in Vienna impress visitors with their historic architecture and magnificent interiors. The remarkable Gothic Stephansdom, charming Baroque St Peter’s church, and other sacred buildings of Vienna provide not only a history of the city, but a refreshing look with truly beautiful architecture, as you will see on this self guided tour.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour II

Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour II

Unlike any other architect, Otto Wagner (who was also an urban planner, furniture designer, and interior decorator) holds the key to Viennese turn-of-the-century architecture and design, which he helped drag away from the more historical styles and into Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) and beyond, combining aesthetics with functionality in his many building projects. As he's claimed himself,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

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