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Vienna's cultural hub

Alte Schmiede: Vienna's Literary and Cultural Hub

Vienna's vibrant space for literature, music, and cultural exchange.

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Alte Schmiede is a dynamic cultural center in Vienna, presenting a rich program of contemporary literature and music. Visitors can attend readings, concerts, discussions, and explore a gallery dedicated to literary magazines. It serves as a vital meeting point for artistic expression and critical thought.

Alte Schmiede is a Vienna-based cultural center dedicated to fostering contemporary literature, music, and critical discourse through a diverse program of events.

Alte Schmiede
About Alte Schmiede

Alte Schmiede is a prominent cultural center in Vienna, serving as a vibrant platform for contemporary literature and music. It hosts a diverse program of events, including author readings, literary discussions, and performances of new music, from chamber to jazz. The center also features dedicated event series, festivals, and a permanent gallery for literary magazines. Through these initiatives, Alte Schmiede actively fosters artistic exchange and critical thinking, making it a key hub for cultural life in the city.

Interior of a historic workshop with a large circular metal frame, an anvil, and tools on the walls
Alte Schmiede opening hours in Vienna

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Alte Schmiede. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Vienna.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-14:00
-
-
See museum opening hours
Visitor Amenities at Alte Schmiede

The Alte Schmiede in Vienna provides various facilities to support visitor comfort and access. The venue is easily reachable by public transport and offers nearby car parking, while interior event spaces and restrooms are wheelchair accessible through the use of an onsite stairlift.

Accessible parking

Available

Accessible toilets

Available

Stairlift

Available

Wheelchair accessible

Available
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Alte Schmiede Location and Area

Alte Schmiede is located at Schönlaterngasse 9 in Vienna, situated within the historic 1st district, also known as Innere Stadt. This central position places the cultural center amidst the city's old town, making it easily accessible for visitors interested in its contemporary literature, music, and discourse programs.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Schönlaterngasse 9

1010 Wien

Wien, AT

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Planning Your Visit to Alte Schmiede

Alte Schmiede in Vienna is easily accessible by public transport or car, located about a five-minute walk from major stations like Stephansplatz and Schwedenplatz. Visitors arriving by car can find an accessible parking space at Doktor-Ignaz-Seipel-Platz 2, with additional public garages nearby. All event rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible, with assistance from a stair lift for some areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests with reduced mobility.

Planning Your Visit to Alte Schmiede
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Contemporary Literature and Music at Alte Schmiede

Alte Schmiede serves as a prominent cultural center in Wien, providing a vibrant platform for contemporary literature and music. Its extensive program features author readings, literary discussions, and diverse performances of new music, ranging from chamber to jazz. The venue regularly hosts poetry festivals and engages with literary themes, alongside concerts that showcase innovative soundscapes. Through recurring event series and the unique Galerie der Literaturzeitschriften, Alte Schmiede actively promotes artistic exchange and critical thinking. Visitors can immerse themselves in the latest artistic expressions and ideas, often with free admission, fostering direct engagement with contemporary culture.

Three performers on stage at Alte Schmiede: a pianist, a speaker, and a violinist, with an audience in the foreground.
Top exhibition picks at Alte Schmiede
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Vienna
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Alte Schmiede, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Vienna.
Watercolor illustration of an art gallery with visitors viewing sculptures and paintings, featuring a purple and white color scheme.
From Sep 23, 2020

Robert Jurak's Metall | Holz | Stein | Farbe Exhibition at Alte Schmiede, Vienna

Discover captivating sculptures and paintings inspired by Slovenian culture and landscape.

Experience Robert Jurak's distinct artistic vision combining geometric objectivity in metalwork with the expressive dissolution of forms in painting. The exhibition explores diverse themes, from socialist monuments to the vivid colors of the Mur river.

Robert Jurak Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of a kinetic sculpture with cranes, gears, and mechanical parts, displayed in an art gallery with visitors observing.
From May 12, 2023

David Staretz: Nervöse Maschinen Delikate Apparate Kinetic Objects Exhibition

Past contemporary art exhibition at bahoe art house, featuring sculptures.

This David Staretz exhibition explored kinetic objects and detailed crane imagery. Discover the unique contemporary art installation that was presented at bahoe art house.

Exhibition Details
Abstract watercolor artwork in shades of purple and blue, evoking organic forms and textures from Štefan Galič's 'Natura Viva' exhibition.
From May 19, 2021

Štefan Galič: Natura Viva Exhibition – Diverse Works by a Slovenian Master

Featuring captivating printmaking and painting from a celebrated graphic artist.

Delve into 'Natura Viva,' an exhibition showcasing Štefan Galič's extensive oeuvre. Discover his compelling approach to painting and printmaking, exploring complex themes from abstract art to nature.

Natura Viva Exhibition
Abstract watercolor artwork featuring purple washes, wood texture, and a metal grid, representing the 'Neue Slowenische Kunst' movement.
From Nov 1, 2020

Metall Holz Stein Farbe: Neue Slowenische Kunst Exhibition featuring Jurak, Potočnik, Hojnik

Exploring contemporary art through metal, wood, and stone

Discover the "Metall Holz Stein Farbe. Neue Slowenische Kunst" exhibition from 2020. It showcased artistic expressions by Robert Jurak, Uroš Potočnik, and Cvetka Hojnik, focusing on the interplay of metal, wood, and stone within a significant art movement.

Metall Holz Stein Farbe
A watercolor painting of a solitary figure walking away on a wet city street at dusk, rendered in purple and violet hues with reflections on the pavement and urban architecture in the background.
Oct 1, 2016 – Oct 31, 2016

Bakos Tamás: Exiled on Side Streets – A Powerful Art Exhibition

Discover compelling contemporary art born from urban life experiences.

Explore the extraordinary journey and artistic vision of Tamás Bakos, whose powerful paintings emerged from years spent on Budapest's streets. This compelling showcase provides a unique perspective on social commentary and urban life.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor painting of traditional Slovenian food, including a swirled pastry, sausages, bread, and wine, displayed in a gallery setting with abstract purple and white background.
Sep 23, 2020 – Oct 30, 2020

Discover Uroš Potočnik's Exhibition: Protected Slovenian Food through Art and Abstraction

Explore unique artistic creations inspired by Slovenian culinary heritage.

Uroš Potočnik showcases his distinctive art in "Protected Slovenian Food," exploring themes through photorealism and abstraction. His unique vision offers a compelling look at cultural identity.

View Exhibition
Abstract watercolor artwork featuring black circles, red squares, and purple washes, representing Cvetka Hojnik's symbolic visual language with geometric forms.
Feb 8, 2021 – Mar 12, 2021

Cvetka Hojnik: Črna in rdeča | Schwarz und Rot – An Exhibition of Abstract Art

Exploring symbolic visual language through geometric forms and the golden ratio.

The exhibition showcases Cvetka Hojnik's distinctive abstract paintings. Her work features a symbolic visual language, often incorporating circular and square elements, guided by the principle of the golden ratio. Discover a unique artistic perspective.

Exhibition Details
An artist's studio with watercolor paintings of anthropomorphic animals, including a fox in a suit holding a clock and a bear with a 'Division' banner, illustrating themes of society and commentary.
Sep 17, 2021 – Dec 10, 2021

Coro(h)na: Deborah Sengl's Exhibition of Symbolic Animal Art and Societal Commentary

Discover contemporary art exploring fables and human-animal themes.

Dive into 'Coro(h)na', Deborah Sengl's exhibition featuring striking paintings with animal archetypes. Her artwork explores complex social commentary through powerful symbolism and unique visual narratives. This show offers a compelling look at human-animal connections.

Coro(h)na Exhibition
Open full Alte Schmiede exhibitions page

Alte Schmiede: Historical Development

Alte Schmiede was established in 1975 by Reinhard Urbach and colleagues as a cultural venue in Vienna, hosting readings, exhibitions, and concerts under the Kunstverein Wien. The name "Alte Schmiede" takes its origin from a historical blacksmith workshop at Schönlaterngasse 9, dating back to 1880, which became a second event space after a 2007 renovation. Since its founding, it has grown into a *significant hub for contemporary literature and culture*, having presented over 6000 literary events. Its main event space relocated to the building's cellar vault in autumn 2010, further cementing its role as a vibrant cultural house.

  • Alte Schmiede conceived as a venue

    1975Founding

    The Alte Schmiede was conceived as a venue for readings, exhibitions, and concerts in 1975 by Reinhard Urbach, together with Rudolf Pritz and Kurt Piak, within the framework of the Kunstverein Wien, which was established in 1969 on the initiative of the City of Vienna's cultural department.

  • Name refers to historical blacksmith workshop from 1880

    1880-2007Architecture

    The name 'Alte Schmiede' refers to the historical blacksmith workshop that was established in the house at Schönlaterngasse 9 in 1880. This workshop has functioned as a second event space since a renovation in 2007.

  • Renovation creates second event space

    2007Renovation

    A renovation in 2007 led to the historical blacksmith workshop in the house at Schönlaterngasse 9 being repurposed and used as a second event space.

  • Central event space moved to cellar vault

    2010Architecture

    The main event space of the Alte Schmiede has been located in the cellar vault of the house since autumn 2010.

  • Over 6000 literary events held since 1975

    1975Cultural significance

    Since its inception in 1975, the Alte Schmiede has hosted over 6000 events solely within its Literary Quarter, showcasing contemporary writers and artists and becoming a hub for Austrian literary figures.

  • Kurt Neumann led literary program from 1978 to 2016

    1978-2016Notable person

    Kurt Neumann directed the literary program of the Alte Schmiede from 1978 to 2016.

  • Karlheinz Roschitz led music program until 2016

    1978-2016Notable person

    Karlheinz Roschitz was responsible for the music program at the Alte Schmiede from 1978 until 2016.

  • Walter Famler serves as General Secretary since 2003

    2003Notable person

    Walter Famler has been the General Secretary of the Kunstverein (Art Association) since 2003.

Alte Schmiede FAQs: Your Curiosities Answered

Ever wondered if Alte Schmiede opens on weekends or how best to reach this literary hub in Vienna's old town? From specific contact details to public transport routes, our frequently asked questions section provides straightforward answers to help plan your visit. We've got you covered for all your practical curiosities.

What is the general phone number for Alte Schmiede?

You can reach Alte Schmiede by phone for general inquiries at +43 1 512 83 29. Please note that phone inquiries are handled during specific office hours.

What are the phone inquiry hours for Alte Schmiede?

Phone inquiries to Alte Schmiede can be made during office hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

What is the general email address for Alte Schmiede?

The general email address for inquiries to Alte Schmiede is [email protected]. This is suitable for most general questions about the venue.

See museum FAQ answers
Practical Tips for Visiting Alte Schmiede

To ensure a smooth visit to Alte Schmiede in Vienna, planning your arrival is straightforward. The venue is easily reachable by public transport, and car parking is also available in nearby public garages. For visitors with reduced mobility, all event rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible, with assistance from a stairlift in some areas. Accessible parking is also provided on site. General visitor toilets are available for convenience.

Alte Schmiede Visitor Fit

Alte Schmiede in Vienna welcomes individuals, couples, and groups, including students, who are keen on contemporary literature, music, and cultural discourse. The venue offers a platform for artistic exchange and diverse programs that explore new voices and critical thinking. Visitors with reduced mobility will find accessible event rooms and toilets, with a stairlift available for some areas. The focus on intellectually engaging cultural experiences makes it a fit for those seeking vibrant artistic and literary engagement.

Alte Schmiede Photo Gallery

Explore images of Alte Schmiede, a vibrant cultural center in Vienna, showcasing its dedication to contemporary literature, music, and critical discourse. The gallery offers a glimpse into the dynamic atmosphere of its diverse events, including author readings, concerts, and discussions. Visitors can anticipate visuals reflecting a creative hub fostering intellectual and artistic exchange.

Interior of a historic workshop with a large circular metal frame, an anvil, and tools on the walls
interior of a historic workshop with arched stone ceilings, workbenches, and various blacksmith tools
The exterior of Alte Schmiede, a cultural venue in Vienna, with its name displayed on the facade above the entrance and a sign for Schönlaterngasse.
close-up of vintage blacksmithing tools and equipment on a workbench
blacksmith tools hanging above a forge with an anvil and firebox
Audience seated in a vaulted cellar with stone walls, watching a panel discussion at a table under stage lights.
close-up of old blacksmith tools on a wooden workbench
Three performers on stage at Alte Schmiede: a pianist, a speaker, and a violinist, with an audience in the foreground.
Beige building facade with 'ALTE SCHMIEDE' in black letters, a decorative wrought iron sign, and white-trimmed windows and doorways
White building with pink window frames and arched entrances, featuring a sign that reads 'LA DONUTERIA' and a hanging flower basket.
See museum photos gallery
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