Vienna
Music history & research

Exilarte Center: Music in Exile in Vienna

Honoring the enduring legacy of persecuted music professionals.

MusicHistoryLocal heritage

The Exilarte Center at mdw researches, preserves, and promotes music and composers persecuted by the Nazi regime. It showcases works through publications, exhibitions, and concerts, bringing back the rich musical heritage that was once silenced.

Exilarte Center researches, recovers, and presents music and composers suppressed by the Nazi regime through concerts, exhibitions, and publications.

Exilarte Center
About the Exilarte Center

The Exilarte Center, part of the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, studies, preserves, and rediscovers music and composers forbidden or persecuted by the Nazi regime. Located in Vienna, this institution brings silenced musical heritage into public consciousness. Through academic publications, thematic exhibitions, and concerts, it illuminates the lives and works of forgotten artists, contributing significantly to music history and cultural memory.

White classical building with ornate facade, multiple windows, and orange banners under a blue sky
Exilarte Center opening hours in Vienna

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

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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15:00-19:00
15:00-19:00
15:00-19:00
13:00-17:00
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Exilarte Center Location in Vienna

The Exilarte Center is located at Lothringerstraße 18 in Vienna, offering a defined address for visitors seeking to engage with its unique focus on music suppressed by the Nazi regime. Its position in the city makes it a clear destination for those planning to explore its exhibitions and programs.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Lothringerstraße 18

1030 Vienna

Vienna, AT

Planning Your Visit to Exilarte Center

When planning your visit to the Exilarte Center in Vienna, anticipate spending between 60 to 90 minutes exploring its dedicated research and exhibition spaces. For those arriving by car, paid parking facilities are available directly on-site. There is no mention of required reservations or timed entry, offering flexibility in your visit schedule.

Planning Your Visit to Exilarte Center

Exilarte Center's Core Mission and Visitor Experience

The Exilarte Center in Vienna is dedicated to the study, preservation, and rediscovery of music and composers forbidden or persecuted by the Nazi regime. As part of the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, it actively works to bring this silenced musical heritage back into public consciousness. Visitors can engage with powerful narratives and experience these revived works through a program of concerts, often accompanied by readings and contextualization. The center also hosts thematic exhibitions, like "Out of the Shadows into the Light," and produces academic publications that detail the lives and oeuvres of figures such as Wilhelm Grosz and Erich Wolfgang Korngold, significantly contributing to music history and cultural memory.

Interior of a museum exhibit with a cylindrical display, glass cases, and historical photographs on the walls
Top exhibition picks at Exilarte Center
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Vienna
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Exilarte Center, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Vienna.
A watercolor artwork for the exhibition 'The word expired when that world awoke (Karl Kraus, 1933)', featuring purple washes, fading text, and silhouettes of refugees with luggage and a boat, symbolizing displacement and eroded traditions.

The Word Expired When That World Awoke: Karl Kraus and 20th Century Historical Exhibition

Reflecting on pivotal 20th-century anniversaries and societal transformations.

This exhibition explores 20th-century historical shifts using Karl Kraus's 1933 quote. It commemorates significant anniversaries like 1918, 1933, and 1938, reflecting on individual fates amidst political and societal changes. Discover the profound impact of these critical junctures in history.

View Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a theatrical stage set depicting political protest and exile, with figures holding signs reading 'PROTEST' and 'EXILE' under dramatic purple lighting.

Political Theater in Exile: The Enduring Legacy of Erwin and Maria Ley-Piscator

Discover their profound impact on 20th-century theater at Exilarte Center.

This exhibition expands on existing displays, portraying the influential lives and work of Erwin Piscator and Maria Ley-Piscator. Learn about their significant contributions to political and experimental theater, including their roles in establishing the Dramatic Workshop, which shaped American artists.

Political Theater Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of a vintage Bösendorfer grand piano on display in a museum gallery, with informational plaques and visitors in the background.
From May 1, 2017

Discover The Emmy and Egon Wellesz Piano Exhibition at Exilarte Center Vienna

Tracing a historic Bösendorfer piano's journey through emigration and return.

This permanent exhibition at Exilarte Center explores the significant Bösendorfer grand piano of Emmy and Egon Wellesz. Follow its history from Vienna, through their emigration, and its poignant journey back to the city. It highlights a powerful story of cultural legacy.

Piano Exhibition
Vintage watercolor poster featuring Marta Eggerth and Jan Kiepura, highlighting their careers in opera, song, and cinema, with European and American landmarks symbolizing their journey between continents.

My Song For You Exhibition: Marta Eggerth and Jan Kiepura's Exile Story

Discover the operatic legends' flight and artistic journeys through exile.

This exhibition traces the remarkable paths of opera and operetta stars Marta Eggerth and Jan Kiepura. Discover how their voices captivated audiences across the Atlantic and learn about the profound impact of exile and National Socialism on their lives and their artistic circle.

View Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of a violin on a music stand with sheet music for Bach, Mozart, and For Elise, surrounded by vintage photos of musicians, evoking the legacy of Fritz Kreisler.
From Sep 17, 2022

Fritz Kreisler: A Violinist's Journey Through Exile at the Exilarte Center Exhibition

From child prodigy to a 'King of Violinists' facing the Nazi regime.

Explore the profound life story of Fritz Kreisler, a violin virtuoso exiled during the Nazi era. This exhibition showcases his musical accomplishments and personal struggles, alongside insights into other contemporary string artists affected by displacement.

Fritz Kreisler Exhibition
A purple watercolor illustration of three stylized figures representing composers Arnold Schoenberg, Alexander Zemlinsky, and Richard Hoffmann, with musical notes, Art Nouveau architecture, and barbed wire symbolizing exile and persecution during the Nazi era.
From Dec 1, 2023

Discover Triangle of the Viennese Tradition Exhibition at Exilarte Center

Explore the legacy of Schönberg, Zemlinsky, and Hoffmann in exile.

Journey through the connections between Arnold Schönberg, Alexander Zemlinsky, and Richard Hoffmann. This exhibition at Exilarte Center illuminates their profound impact on Viennese musical tradition and their experiences during the Nazi era.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration in purple and blue tones depicting silhouettes of musicians with sheet music and handwritten letters, symbolizing the lost musical legacy of exiled artists from Vienna during the Nazi era.
From May 19, 2021

I return to Vienna when I compose: Exilarte Center Exhibition in Vienna

A permanent exhibition exploring exiled Viennese musicians and their lost legacies.

This exhibition at the Exilarte Center delves into the lives of musicians forced into exile from Vienna (1933 –1938). Explore their challenges and enduring contributions, highlighting a vital chapter of music history and cultural heritage.

Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of a museum gallery with purple and blue hues, displaying archival materials, musical scores, and photographs related to composers persecuted during the National Socialist era.
Apr 16, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026

Exilarte Center: Anniversary Exhibition 2026 Documenting Persecuted Composers from the Nazi Era

Explore their disrupted lives and lasting legacies in music history.

This exhibition at the Exilarte Center provides an extensive overview of composers marginalized during the National Socialist era. Understand their works, historical context, and importance for contemporary remembrance culture. It highlights an essential chapter of global music history.

Anniversary Exhibition
Exilarte Center: Questions, Curiosities, and Closures

Ever wondered when the Exilarte Center takes its annual summer holiday in Vienna, or which days it prefers a quiet moment? Our comprehensive FAQ section tackles intriguing curiosities alongside standard opening hours and contact details, ensuring your visit to this unique center for music research is perfectly planned.

What is the phone number for Exilarte Center?

The general enquiries phone number for Exilarte Center is +43 1 711 55 – 3510.

What is the email address for Exilarte Center?

You can reach Exilarte Center for general enquiries via email at [email protected].

How can I contact Exilarte Center?

You can contact Exilarte Center by phone at +43 1 711 55 – 3510 or by email at [email protected]. Response times for enquiries are not specified.

Does Exilarte Center have an official website?

Yes, Exilarte Center has an official website at http://www.exilarte.at/. Additionally, a related university website is available at http://www.mdw.ac.at/exil.arte.

Planning Your Visit to Exilarte Center

When planning a visit to the Exilarte Center, anticipate spending around 60 to 90 minutes exploring its dedicated exhibitions and research facilities. This allows ample time to engage with the center's focus on composers, performers, and music professionals persecuted or exiled under National Socialism. For those traveling by car, parking is available directly at the venue, but please be aware that a fee will be required.

Exilarte Center Visitor Profile

The Exilarte Center in Vienna primarily appeals to visitors interested in music history and cultural preservation, particularly those focused on composers and musical works suppressed during National Socialism. It offers a reflective experience for individuals keen on understanding historical impacts on art through its research, exhibitions, and concert programs. Guests can expect a visit centered on educational content and musical appreciation, typically lasting one to one and a half hours. The center is suited for those seeking a deeper dive into a unique aspect of Viennese and global music heritage.

Exilarte Center Exhibition Gallery

Explore the visual story of the Exilarte Center through images showcasing its dedicated exhibitions. These photos capture displays of historical documents, musical scores, and biographical insights related to composers suppressed under National Socialism. The gallery conveys the center's mission to preserve and present this vital musical heritage in Vienna.

Circular logo with white text 'Exilarte CENTER FOR BANNED MUSIC' on a dark blue background with a large white 'C' shape.
Circular logo with dark blue background and white text reading 'Exilarte CENTER FOR BANNED MUSIC' and a large white 'C' shape.
White classical building with ornate facade, multiple windows, and orange banners under a blue sky
Interior hallway of the Exilarte Center with a quote on the wall and glass doors to exhibition rooms
Interior hallway with display cases and a wall quote in German
Interior of Exilarte Center with a grand piano and blue display panels in a hallway
Interior of a museum exhibit with a cylindrical display, glass cases, and historical photographs on the walls
A long aisle between tall metal shelving units filled with gray archival boxes, each labeled with white tags.
Interior of the Exilarte Center with a cylindrical display showing a historical photograph, a wall of black-and-white images, and a glass case with documents.
A grand piano with sheet music on a stand, displayed in a museum gallery with informational panels on the walls.
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