Maria-Theresien-Platz — Attraction in Vienna

Maria-Theresien-Platz is a prominent public square located in Vienna, Austria. It is named after Empress Maria Theresa, one of Austria's most influential rulers.

Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz is situated in the heart of Vienna, between the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) and the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum). The square is part of the Ringstraße, the famous boulevard that encircles the city center.

Historical Significance: The square was built in the 19th century and is considered one of the grandest public spaces in Vienna. It was designed to commemorate Maria Theresa and celebrate her reign.

Monumental Statues: The focal point of the square is the grand monument of Maria Theresa, which stands at its center. The statue depicts the empress on a horse-drawn carriage, surrounded by allegorical figures representing her different realms. On either side of the square, there are two identical equestrian statues of Prince Eugene of Savoy and Archduke Charles of Austria, both prominent military figures from Austrian history.

Museums: Maria-Theresien-Platz is flanked by two magnificent museums—the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum. These architectural marvels house extensive collections of scientific and artistic treasures, making them popular attractions for visitors to Vienna.

Promenade and Gardens: The square is adorned with beautiful gardens and tree-lined promenades, providing a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to take a leisurely stroll, especially during the warmer months.

Christmas Market: During the festive season, Maria-Theresien-Platz hosts a charming Christmas market, where visitors can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere, browse traditional handicrafts, savor delicious seasonal treats, and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

Accessibility: Maria-Theresien-Platz is easily accessible by public transportation, including tram and bus services. The nearest subway station is Volkstheater, which is just a short walk away.

Overall, Maria-Theresien-Platz is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Vienna. Its central location, impressive statues, neighboring museums, and serene gardens make it a must-visit destination for travelers...

Maria-Theresien-Platz is a large public square in Vienna, Austria, that joins the Ringstraße with the Museumsquartier, a museum of modern arts located in the former Imperial Stables. Facing each other from the sides of the square are two near identical buildings, the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum) and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum).[1] The buildings are near identical, except for the statuary on their façades. The Naturhistorisches' façade has statues depicting personifications of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The Kunsthistorisches façade features famous European artists, such as the Dutch Bruegel, among others.[1]

The Naturhistorisches Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the square adjoining them were built in 1889.[1] At the center of the square is a large statue depicting Empress Maria Theresa, namesake of the square. The Modern Art Museum in the former Imperial Stables shows contemporary works that some may consider controversial. The three museums are popular destinations for tourists.[1]

The Kunsthistorisches Museum contains numerous famous works by the Northern European masters, such as Bruegel's Tower of Babel, as well as an extensive collection of ancient world art. The Egyptian collection (Aegyptisches Sammlung) houses mummified forms, stone carvings, and the tomb of an Egyptian prince that was transported to Vienna and reassembled for Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. On the stairwell's roof are frescoes by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.

The Naturhistorisches Museum houses displays of butterflies and other insects, and an extensive preserved and stuffed animal collection, the most poignant examples of which include a Przewalskii's horse, a baby Javanese rhinoceros, and a case of dodo remains. Also notable is the museum's famous Mikrotheater, showing slides of microscopic organisms, its two spider crabs which were sent to Emperor Franz Joseph by the Japanese Emperor as a gift, and the first ever human depiction of an underwater scene made from life observation and the diving bell from which it was made. The stairwell contains paintings of Emperor Franz Joseph, Empress Maria Theresa and her stuffed pet lap dog, a...

The Monument to Maria Theresia can be seen at the centre of Maria-Theresien-Platz between the Kunsthistorische (Fine Art History) and Naturhistorisches (Natural History) Museums. This is an impressive landmark to see in Vienna and is well worth a few minutes to enjoy when spending time in this area of the city.

Historically, Empress Maria Theresa was an important European figure during the 18th century. The only female ruler from the Habsburg dynasty, Maria Theresa's reign lasted between 1740-1780. She famously gave birth to 16 children, most notably Marie Antoinette, who would marry Louis XVI and later become the Queen of France.

The monument was created by German sculpture Kaspar von Zumbusch in 1888. It is large in size and scale as well as being quite decorative. The base is 19 metres tall and topped by the seated figure of Empress Maria Theresa. The empress is crowned, dressed in royal attire with a sceptre in her left hand. She is extending her right hand outward as if addressing her many subjects.

The pedestal includes detailed reliefs and life-size standing figures representing counsel, administration, military, science & arts. The four corners of the base feature bronze figures of the four Generals who served during the reign of Maria Theresa. Collectively, it is a comprehensive and well designed monument to view.

During our recent visit, we enjoyed seeing the Monument to Maria Theresia amidst a layer of late winter snow that fell during the recent cold spell. This made for nice scenery and a photography and is something I hope to experience again in the future when visit Vienna.

In the end, for those who enjoy monument viewing, this is one of the must-see of this kind in Vienna. You can enjoy the landmark from afar as you approach but make sure to allow time up close to see the monument details. This can easily do this before or after visits to the Kunst, Natural History Museum or on your way back into the Innere Stadt after visiting...