Majolikahaus
An Artistic and Architectural Treat
Come to the Wienzeile to see Otto Wagner's fantastic Majolikahaus building, for an artistic and architectural treat you will not soon forget. Wienzeile, between Karlsplatz and Schönbrunn Palace, was Otto Wagner's dream. He wished to design an unforgettable boulevard, and thus from 1898-1899, a perfect example of modern architecture came to be. Three apartment blocks, known as the “Wienzeilenhäuser”, were constructed along the Wienzeile, and still delight visitors to this day.
One of the three buildings of the Wienzeilenhäuser is located at Linken Wienzeile 40. This famous building was built in 1898 and is known as the “Majolikahaus”. The outside of the building is decorated with floral motifs known as Maiolica tiles, which come from the Wienerberger Company.
The tiles were a part of Otto Wagner's grand vision. He believed that hygiene was an important part of modern architecture. These Maiolica tiles are not only weather-resistant, but they are also low maintenance, and washable. Majolika, or Maiolica, can refer to a certain type of colorfully painted tin-glazed pottery from the 15th and 16th century. It also can refer to many other types of glazed pottery. The building itself is certainly worth looking at; you'll also enjoy the fascinating, elaborately designed stairwell.
