Urania Observatory, Vienna

Urania Observatory, Vienna

Once Vienna's first public observatory cum adult education center hosting courses/lectures by leading intellectuals of the time (including Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann), the multi-purpose Urania has over the years branched into a cinema, a large planetarium, a modern café-bar, and also – of all things – a puppet theater. That is quite the mix of things for one small place!

Designed by Max Fabiani, who studied under the famous Otto Wagner, the Art Nouveau-style structure was built in the shape of an unorthodox ship in 1910 and named after the famous muse of astronomy. It sits very close to the Danube, in a very scenic part of town, with the café-bar's fabulous elevated terrace overlooking the canal.

During the Second World War, Urania was severely damaged, and the observatory was rendered completely useless. Thanks to some generous patrons, however, the location was reopened, providing incredible views of the heavens in addition to one of the most beautiful panoramas of Vienna. Take advantage of your visit by observing it from the other side of the river and from the nearby bridge, and you'll agree that it is definitely one of Central Europe's most remarkable buildings.

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 Apple 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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Urania Observatory on Map

Sight Name: Urania Observatory
Sight Location: Vienna, Austria (See walking tours in Vienna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Vienna, Austria

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One of the...  view more

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

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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