The foundation stone of the Vienna Philharmonic was laid by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1870, and several prominent architects of the time were immediately invited to develop designs for the future building. They say that most of them brushed off the idea. Everyone did - except Theophil Hansen.
Being originally from Copenhagen, Hansen worked in Greece for a long time and was greatly inspired by the architecture of that country. Into his new project he also brought, as he himself liked to say, the spirit of the "Greek Renaissance." The result was a true architectural masterpiece, beautiful on the outside and even more magnificent inside. It is said of its famous Golden Hall that it is ideal for music, because it is itself music.
The aesthetics of the hall are stunning: the amazing ceiling paintings emphasize the overall "golden" coloring of the room. Beautiful female figures created by Franz Melnitzky adorn the balconies and the organ.
Every lover of classical music dreams of coming here for a symphony orchestra concert. And although the hall seats more than 2000 people, tickets sell out long before the day of the performance.
By the way, in 1989 gold coins began to be issued in honor of the Vienna orchestra. At first these were 500 and 2000 schillings, and later 200 and 1000 schillings appeared. Moreover, they became the best-selling coins in the world! In 2004, another one appeared - with a denomination of 100.000 euros, which was immediately nicknamed "Big Phil."
