Anyone traveling to Vienna can hardly complain about a lack of culture. In the middle of the city you will find world-famous sights such as the Prater, and hidden beneath a famous church are hidden crypts. And what few people know besides all the splendor: The Palais Daun-Kinsky is one of the most important baroque palaces in Vienna. It is particularly well known for its rich architecture, famous residents and cultural use and is located directly at Freyung 4 in the 1st district.
Where history meets high culture
The Palais Daun-Kinsky is over 300 years old. Between 1713 and 1719, the famous baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt built the city residence on behalf of Wirich Philipp Graf Daun, one of the most celebrated generals of the monarchy. From the very beginning, the palace was home to famous and distinguished owners. From Count Daun, it passed through the noble families of Khevenhüller and Harrach to the Kinskys. Their name and coat of arms are still emblazoned above the entrance portal today.
It is also known for its special guests, like so many other palaces in Vienna. After the Second World War, the palace was temporarily home to a British officers’ club, which brought many big names – at least in these circles – to the Palais Daun-Kinsky. One in particular: Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski, the future national hero of Poland and Marshal of France, was born here in 1763.
Special architecture and furnishings
But the palace has more to offer than just big names: The architecture of this special building is worth seeing. The façade is narrow, but spectacularly staged with herm pilasters, a decorative portal and sculptures by Joseph Kracker. It is considered a masterpiece of Baroque wall structure.
The ceiling frescoes and quadrature paintings inside the palace are also particularly impressive. Such Baroque symbols are hard to find anywhere else in Vienna! The dining room also has historical paneling from the choir stalls of the cathedral in Bratislava.
How a family palace became a mausoleum
Since 2015, Palais Daun-Kinsky has been owned by a foundation set up by Karl Wlaschek, the founder of Billa, who actually had a mausoleum built for himself and his family. This was only made possible by a legal regulation: anyone who owns a private plot of land with a minimum size of 2000 m² can – with official permission – have a family tomb or mausoleum built on this land.
Today, the famous “im Kinsky” auction house is located on the Beletage of the palace, which regularly hosts cultural events and top-class art auctions. The palace is a popular location for prestigious events, but is only open to the public from the outside. The magnificent halls and unique Baroque history are not to be missed!