From the dome of the Vienna Secession pavilion, thieves stole gilded tickets

photo: Petr Šmídek

Vienna - Thieves stole several golden leaves from the dome of the famous Exhibition Pavilion of the Vienna Secession overnight into Tuesday. The APA agency reported today that unknown perpetrators apparently climbed to the top of the building from the late 19th century using scaffolding. The monument is currently undergoing reconstruction.

According to police spokeswoman Irina Steirer, thieves forcefully broke off six to eight gilded bronze leaves from the dome of the Vienna pavilion, which is one of the most significant buildings of the Austrian Secession. They likely accessed the top of the building in the city center via scaffolding. The police currently have no evidence that would lead them to the thieves.

The damage to the building, designed by architect Joseph Maria Olbrich, a native of Silesian Opava, has exceeded 10,000 euros (255,000 crowns). To prevent further damage, the building manager has tightened security measures.

The iconic dome of the Exhibition Pavilion of the Vienna Secession, affectionately nicknamed "cabbage head" by the Viennese, consists of a total of 2,500 gilded leaves and 311 berries. In recent months, its parts have been renovated and are gradually being returned to their place. It is expected to be fully restored by the end of May.