In 2025, the city of Vienna will be marked even further by the legacy of Johann Strauss Jr., the renowned “Waltz King,” with a year of events marking the Strauss 200th celebration of his birth. The festivities will start with a significant anniversary exhibition dedicated to this iconic composer whose music shaped the cultural landscape of 19th-century Vienna.
Kicking off on December 4, 2024, the Theater Museum, in collaboration with the Vienna Library at City Hall, will unveil a thematic exhibition titled “Johann Strauss – The Exhibition.” This comprehensive showcase will delve into the multifaceted life and artistic contributions of Johann Strauss Jr., illuminating his enduring influence on Viennese musical heritage.
Among the exhibition’s highlights are original documents from the esteemed Vienna Strauss collection, recognized by UNESCO as part of the “Memory of Humanity.” Additionally, the exhibition will feature valuable loans from the Vienna Museum and other cultural institutions, providing insight into the artistic and social contexts of Strauss’s era.
Key themes will include the intricate family and business dynamics of the Strauss family’s extensive business affairs, as well as an exploration of the composer’s complex network of relationships. Visitors will also gain a deeper understanding of Strauss’s evolution as a musician within the broader historical, political, and economic landscapes of his time.
“Johann Strauss – The Exhibition” will be open to the public until June 23, 2025, as part of the extensive “Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna” festival program. This landmark event promises to be a captivating tribute to one of the world’s most celebrated composers and a highlight in Vienna’s rich cultural calendar.
Michael Leahy