Otto Wagner's Church at Steinhof, Vienna

Kirche am Steinhof, also known as the Church of St. Leopold, is a significant Roman Catholic oratory designed by Otto Wagner and is considered one of the most important Art Nouveau churches globally.

The church, dedicated to Saint Leopold, was designed by the renowned architect Otto Wagner, who incorporated numerous features specific to its function within an asylum.

The construction of the Church of St. Leopold, known as Kirche am Steinhof, took place between 1903 and 1907, designed by the 63-year-old architect Otto Wagner.

The church was opened on October 8, 1907, by Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The Archduke had concerns about Wagner's Art Nouveau style, leading to a strained relationship between them.

The church is a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture, designed with unique features for its function within an asylum, such as rounded edges, accessible toilet facilities, and separate entrances for male and female patients.

Koloman Moser created the mosaics and stained glass, while Othmar Schimkowitz contributed the sculptural angels. The statues on the external towers, representing patron saints of Lower Austria, were sculpted by Richard Luksch.

A significant restoration project began in June 2000, involving 22 construction companies and 15 consultants. Key aspects included re-gilding the dome, replacing the façade with Carrara marble, and restoring interior elements.

Between 2002 and 2004, the entire 1,800m² façade of the church was replaced with 3000 plates of Carrara marble, with each tile carefully examined for quality.

Interior renovations, starting in 2005, involved glazing and remounting mosaic windowpanes in a protective structure. The mosaics, main altar, pulpit, and other decorative elements were restored and regilded.

Following the completion of the six-year renovation project, a wheelchair-accessible entrance was added on the north side of the church, enhancing its accessibility.

Prior to its reopening after renovations, the Steinhof church was selected as the main motif for an Austrian 100 euro commemorative coin, minted on November 9, 2005.