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The Vienna Secession in Austria was part of the highly varied Secessionism movement that is now covered by the general term Art Nouveau. It was formed in 1897 by a group of 19 Vienna artists who had resigned from the Association of Austrian Artists, housed in the Vienna Kanstlerhaus. The first president of the Secession was Gustav Klimt.
Even by today’s standards the Secession is a daring building with its cupola of golden laurel leaves and its art deco facade. It is one of the key works of Viennese Art Nouveaux architecture and was planned and built by Joseph Maria Olbricht, a student of Otto Wagner, to serve the needs of an artist association Olbricht himself belonged to.

The secessionists were interested in uniting the separate art forms of sculpture, architecture, painting and music aiming for a “gesamtkunstwerk” - a comprehensive work of art. The entire building is decorated with gilt laurel garlands, floral patterns and plants along the sides of the walls. But most striking is the tree above the main door which is entirely laid out in gold. These details contrast strikingly with the simplistic facade.
Amazingly, the building (which was virtually destroyed in World War II after being bombed and set on fire by the retreating German army) has been restored to its former glory. Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in the city (and a must visit for the architecture alone) art exhibitions are held here throughout the year.
Today works by the Secessionist artists are on display in the Belvedere Palace, and the Secession Building is used for substantial contemporary exhibits. It was constructed in 1898 and is crowned by a dome once called “outrageous in its useless luxury”. The empty dome - covered in triumphal laurel leaves - echoes that of the Karlskirche on the other side of Vienna.