Queer Moments in Lost Places: Barbara Essl's Photography Exhibition Revealing Simmering's Hidden Cultural History

This art photography exhibition by Barbara Essl showcases the beauty of societal diversity in abandoned and historical locations across Simmering. The exhibition reveals a new, unknown side of the district through images taken at places like Alberner Hafen, Schloss Thürnlhof, and the Zentralfriedhof.

The exhibition "Queer Moments in Lost Places" by photographer Barbara Essl presents a unique perspective on Simmering, highlighting societal diversity through striking images captured at various abandoned and historical sites. Essl, known for her work in photographing disused industrial sites and forgotten buildings across Europe, brings her project to Simmering, featuring locations such as Alberner Hafen, Schloss Thürnlhof, a demolition site, the Friedhof der Namenlosen, an area of the Wiener Zentralfriedhof, the Wiener Werkshallen (formerly Saurer Werke), and the stable and ballroom at Schloss Neugebäude. These historic places serve as both stage and legacy for Essl's "Queer Moments," providing a backdrop that emphasizes the radical changes in sociopolitical life since the 1920s. The artwork liberates familiar everyday scenes from conventions, telling personal stories that reflect the lived history of Simmering. Essl aims to make visible the inherent mysticism within these "Lost Places," which are often overlooked and seemingly outside of time. The initiative "Queer Moments" is supported by various organizations including Queer Dance im Gemeindebau, the Bezirksvorstehung Simmering, MA 7 – Kultur, the Museumsverein Simmering, and the Stabstelle Bezirksmuseen im Wien Museum.

The exhibition opening was held on October 7, 2023, as part of the 'ORF Lange Nacht der Museen'. Specific ticketing information beyond this event is not detailed on the page, but it is hosted at the Bezirksmuseum Simmering, which typically has admission details available through its main visitor information channels.