In 1894, the famous Austrian modernist architect Otto Wagner began work on the planning of the Vienna Stadtbahn, which served as the prototype for the modern urban metro. At the same time, he developed the design for the pavilions that serve as entrances and exits to the metro stations. The buildings he created became a true landmark of Karlsplatz. Their elegant design and color scheme still harmonize beautifully with Karlskirche.
The pavilions are set opposite each other. Their walls are clad with marble slabs on the outside and plaster on the inside. The semicircular arch is decorated with an ornament of gilded sunflowers. Today the pavilions are no longer used for their original purpose; the metro entrance was moved a little farther away. One of Wagner's creations now houses a cafe, and the other houses a museum where you can see models of his other works and documents telling about the architect's life. This museum is open in the warm season, from April to October.
As soon as the weather turns warm, the pavilion-cafe opens its summer terrace, tables with umbrellas appear outside, and smiling waiters come out. So in summer, at Karlsplatz, you can not only see the sights, but also enjoy a cup of coffee at the same time.
