Moritz von Schwind: Iconic Designs for the Vienna State Opera’s Foyer and Loggia Exhibition at Belvedere

This exhibition, held on the occasion of the reopening of the Vienna State Opera, presented Moritz von Schwind's designs for the opera's loggia and foyer. It showcased his drafts for the foyer, featuring works of famous composers, and his drawings for the loggia's visual decoration dedicated to Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'.

Held on the occasion of the reopening of the Vienna State Opera on November 5, 1955, this exhibition at the Österreichische Galerie presented Moritz von Schwind's designs for the opera's loggia and foyer. The exhibition featured a selection of documents illustrating the creation of the stage and interior designs between 1864 and the end of 1867. Visitors could view Schwind's drafts for the foyer, which included depictions of works by renowned composers, as well as his drawings for the visual decoration of the loggia, dedicated to Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'. The catalogue accompanying the exhibition acknowledged the complex relationship with historicism, noting that Schwind's opera paintings are considered among the most significant monumental decorations of the late 19th century, despite their arrangement being fundamentally historicizing and primarily inspired by Raphael's frescoes.