In Vienna, an exhibition commemorating the architect Josef Hlávka is taking place

As part of the Czech Republic's presidency in the EU Council and this year's celebrations of the 140th anniversary of the opening of the Vienna State Opera, an exhibition organized by the Czech Centre is taking place in this historic building, conceived by the National Museum in Prague. The exhibition will remind its visitors of the significant Czech architect and builder Josef Hlávka and his activities in Vienna in the second half of the 19th century.
 
Josef Hlávka was not only a prominent Czech architect, builder, and entrepreneur but also a patron, founder of foundations, and holder of numerous awards and positions. After studying construction in Prague and architecture in Vienna, his collaboration with architect Heinrich Ferstel began in Vienna in 1855. Hlávka managed the construction of his Vienna projects, primarily the stock exchange and Votivkirche. In 1861, Hlávka won the bid to build the Vienna Court Opera according to the plans of architects Eduard van der Nüll and August von Siccardsburg. For the successful construction of the Court Opera in Vienna, he was awarded the title of imperial councilor. He further built the Church of the Virgin Mary at the Lazarist monastery and the Church of St. Othmar according to the design of architect Friedrich Schmidt, engaged in many other commissions, and constructed apartment buildings, department stores, palaces, and churches, partly according to his own designs. In total, he realized 142 buildings there. Due to worsening health problems, however, in 1869 he dissolved his Vienna construction company and continued to devote himself primarily to charity. He founded many different foundations supporting science, art, and education, was a patron of Prague students, and prominent European artists, including Antonín Dvořák.

Original exhibits at the Vienna State Opera primarily document Hlávka's business activities in Vienna. The exhibition will recall the construction of the building of today’s State Opera, for which he was awarded by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Moreover, the exhibition will present Hlávka as a patron not only of Prague students but also of prominent European artists. The aim of the organizers is to familiarize visitors to the Vienna Opera with the personality and activities of this Czech builder, architect, and entrepreneur, and to highlight the significance of his legacy for both Vienna and Prague.

Venue: State Opera in Vienna – foyer on the second balcony
Duration of the exhibition: May 25 – June 30, 2009

Exhibition curator: Karel Ksandr

Organizers: National Museum, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Foundation of Joseph, Marie, and Zdeňka Hlávkových, Czech Centre in Vienna, Vienna State Opera

www.staatsoper.at