Vienna
Completed

Holidays in Austria: Discovering a Nation's Post-War Tourism Identity Exhibition

This exhibition examines how post-WWII tourism transformed Austria, using unique 1950s British travel photo albums.

Delve into 'Holidays in Austria,' an exhibition revealing the country's reinvention as a tourism hub after World War II. Explore captivating historical photographs and objects from the 1950s that shaped Austria's new national identity. Understand how early travel marketing established enduring cultural clichés and perceptions for this idyllic destination.

About Holidays in Austria. Ein Urlaubsland erfindet sich neu at House of Austrian History in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Holidays in Austria. Ein Urlaubsland erfindet sich neu at House of Austrian History in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores how Austria reinvented itself as a 'nation of tourism' following World War II and the Nazi era. Drawing from unique photo albums of British tourists from the 1950s, it examines the creation of Austria as an idyllic and affordable travel destination and its impact on both domestic and international perceptions. The show features surprising objects that reveal the lasting influence of early tourism on contemporary Austrian identity.

Curatorial context

What do 70-year-old holiday memories reveal about present-day images of Austria? How did Austria become a 'tourism nation'? Following the end of World War II and Nazi rule, Austria reinvented itself, and the concept of the holiday country played a significant role in this process. The country, marked by destruction, was marketed abroad as an idyllic place of longing and an affordable travel destination, which also shaped self-perception within the country. Based on two unique travel photo albums from a British couple in the 1950s, this exhibition tells a little-known story. The new special exhibition at the hdgö traces the image of the emerging tourism destination Austria. Many surprising objects make it tangible how much the early phase of tourism still resonates today. Discover where the defining clichés and ideas of contemporary Austria come from and how they have changed!

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is located on the Alma Rosé-Plateau. Information regarding the exhibition publication, which is available at the hdgö checkout or online, is provided. Specific ticket details for this exhibition are not explicitly detailed beyond general museum access, suggesting it may be included with general admission or require separate booking information available elsewhere.

Holidays in Austria. Ein Urlaubsland erfindet sich neu key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Holidays in Austria. Ein Urlaubsland erfindet sich neu at House of Austrian History in Vienna

Venue
House of Austrian History
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Mar 14, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025
Artist line / attribution
Curated by Stefan Benedik and Antonia Heidl, with contributing curatorial and mediation staff including Katharina Kraus and Eva Meran, and conceptual guidance from Heidemarie Uhl.
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