Wiener Rathauskeller

BWM Desingers & Architexts revitalised the historic Rathauskeller in Vienna’s City Hall, including its largely heritage-protected event spaces and the 110m-long corridor, restoring and emphasising the building’s original fabric. Built between 1872 and 1883 in Neo-Gothic style, the City Hall became a symbol of the growing metropolis. A Ratskeller (cellartavern) was added in 1899, designed by Josef Urban and Heinrich Lefler, with murals by several artists, creating a rich Gesamtkunstwerk. Later renovations in 1930, the 1960s, and 1980s restored parts of the frescoes and ceilings.

The revitalisation focused on key architectural elements: vaults, panelling, chandeliers, latticework, wall paintings, windows, and the City of Vienna’s coat of arms. At the entrance, historical objects from the Knights’ Hall are displayed, while a mirrored table under a chandelier highlights the vaulted ceiling. The reception area features a cloakroom, meeting room, central dome with indirect lighting, and an Adnet marble desk reflecting the wood panelling. The 110m corridor connecting the halls was redesigned with new flooring, a colour scheme highlighting the ribs of the vaulted ceilings and guiding visitors, while entrances are marked with red marble, custom chandeliers, and brass signage. Built-in service furniture and seating areas integrate seamlessly.

The Salon Ziehrer (105sqm 60 guests) offers a neo-Baroque ambience with restored carvings, gilded panelling, mirrors, indirect lighting and new stackable chairs. The Rittersaal (285sqm, 300 guests) retains the 1898‘s frescoes, restored floors and windows, and new stackable chairs in custom upholstery. For the Rosenstüberl BWM desigend a piece of furniture that can be used both as a room divider and a buffet unit. In the Augustin Stüberl (160sqm, 120 guests) wall paintings were restored, the bar was redesigned.

The Lanner and Lehár halls (280sqm, 300 guests) reflect the theme “Garden & Music” with trellis entrances, niches, mirror elements and new furniture. The Grinzinger Keller (287sqm, 320 guests) features a hand-carved barrel from Grinzing, updated lighting and practical stackable, newly designed chairs. The Ratsherrenstüberl, reserved for the Mayor, was fully refurnished with restored chairs and paintings.

A new stainless-steel wall, matching the reception’s wood panelling, discreetly conceals the kitchen, completing the enhanced visitor experience.