Kursalon Wien: New Home from 2027

In Spring 2027, the Vienna Residenz Orchestra moves into its new home at the Kursalon Wien. The palace at the Stadtpark provides the perfect setting for classical concerts in unamplified, original acoustics.

Kursalon Vienna: A New Chapter for the Vienna Residenz Orchestra

The History: From Forbidden Dance Hall to World Stage

The Grand Halls: Garben’s Neo-Renaissance Architecture & Modern Acoustics

The Vienna Residenz Orchestra: Authentic Sound & Pure Excellence

Tradition Meets the Future: A Feast for the Senses from 2027

Starting Spring 2027, two icons of Viennese cultural history unite at the Kursalon Vienna. Right in front of the historic palace, the gilded Strauss monument serves as a reminder of the venue’s rich musical tradition. Here, the music of Strauss, Mozart, and Vivaldi meets restored architecture and subtle visual accents—offering a concert experience that brings Viennese classical music to life in a fresh way.

The history of the Kursalon is rich in turning points, but no single event shaped the palace as profoundly as the performance of Johann Strauss Jr.: On October 15, 1868, the Waltz King took the stage, picked up his violin, and broke a decades-long police ban on music and dancing with a single concert. Built between 1865 and 1867 according to plans by Johann Garben in the Neo-Renaissance style as a modest spa hall for mineral waters, the building transformed overnight into the epicenter of Viennese promenade concerts. Strauss proved that Viennese dance music deserved a grand, magnificent home.

From 1908 onwards, the Hübner family made the palace synonymous with elegant coffeehouse culture and tea dance suppers. Even after the destruction of the Second World War, the venue retained its charm: the terrace concerts held between 1945 and 1955 became a musical symbol of hope for the local population. When the building was threatened with conversion into a commercial casino in the late 1980s, entrepreneur Karl Wlaschek saved the cultural monument in 1990 for 125 million Schillings—permanently preserving the venue’s musical soul.

The heart of the palace is formed by its four halls, led by the Lanner Hall featuring 373 square meters of space, a ceiling height of 6.9 meters, and direct views of the Stadtpark. Alongside the historic Strauss Hall—where the Waltz King once conducted his orchestra himself—the Lehár Hall for exclusive receptions and the Schubert Hall in the spirit of classical salon culture stand out for their exceptional acoustics. The 19th-century construction with fine wood and elaborate stucco produces a warm, natural reverberation that highlights instruments without artificial amplification.

From 2025 to 2027, this historic structure is being restored as a heritage site and complemented in the Lanner Hall by subtly integrated, state-of-the-art projection technology. For the concerts of the Vienna Residenz Orchestra, this means that during selected pieces such as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the walls transform into a backdrop that serves as an elegant frame and visually accompanies the musicians on stage without ever distracting from them.

At the Kursalon Vienna, the Vienna Residenz Orchestra (WRO) finds the perfect setting for its artistic identity. The ensemble dedicates itself to the works of Strauss, Mozart, and Vivaldi in the fine Viennese performance tradition—characterized by rhythmic drive, elegance, and tonal precision. On stage, the orchestra joins forces with outstanding opera singers and live ballet soloists to create a dynamic overall performance. Each concert brings Viennese ball and opera culture to life on stage, presenting the city’s musical heritage as an engaging, timeless experience.

With the arrival of the Vienna Residenz Orchestra, a new era begins at the Kursalon Vienna starting Spring 2027. Architectural splendor, masterful acoustic artistry, and subtle visual accents merge into an atmospheric journey through Viennese cultural history. As the first notes resonate in the Lanner Hall, tradition and modernity meet at the highest level. Experience how the Vienna Residenz Orchestra breathes new life into these historic halls—and immerse yourself in Viennese classical music right where its heart beats.