Maria-Theresien-Platz

Maria-Theresien-Platz lies at the center of Vienna's old town, between the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) and the Natural History Museum Vienna. With its symmetrical layout, magnificent gardens and the imposing Maria Theresa Monument, it is considered one of the most important urban ensembles on the Ringstrasse (the Ring). The square was laid out as part of the redesign of Vienna in the 19th century, when parts of the city wall were removed and replaced by monumental buildings and streets. The monument to Empress Maria Theresa, after whom the square is named, was unveiled in 1888 and shows the monarch on a throne, surrounded by important figures of her reign, including generals, scholars and artists.

The two flanking buildings, the Kunsthistorisches and the Natural History Museum, mirror each other almost perfectly and form a magnificent backdrop around the green center of the square. The square invites not only historical reflection but also lingering, especially in spring and summer, when the well-kept lawns and flower beds are in full bloom. Amid art, culture and history, Maria-Theresien-Platz has an atmospheric feel and is also an ideal starting point for further exploration along the Ringstrasse. At Christmas time in particular, the square turns into a festively lit Christmas market that attracts thousands of visitors.

Thanks to its location right next to the MuseumsQuartier and close to major institutions such as the Hofburg, the former imperial palace, the square is easy to reach at any time. A visit is worthwhile not only for its historical significance but also for the unique interplay of architecture, nature and urban space, a prime example of the imperial urban planning of the late 19th century.

Highlights

• - Maria Theresa Monument
• - Symmetrical museum facades
• - Seasonally decorated green spaces