Art & Culture

Art in Vienna: Node Contemporary Opens a New Chapter at Palais Festetics

Where cucumber swarms meet parachutes—Vienna's new art hotspot has opened its doors.

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A glimpse into the ArtSpace of Node Contemporary. The gallery, specializing in the temporary use of historic buildings, has opened its new branch at Palais Festetics, which is considered the new hotspot for art in Vienna. Credit: Mila Zytka

In the heart of Vienna, on the historic Berggasse 16, Node Contemporary has ushered in a new era of art. The exclusive VIP opening at Palais Festetics, which will host the gallery project in the coming months, attracted an illustrious crowd who were enchanted by two impressive opening exhibitions: “MIRROR MIRROR” curated by Walter Hösel and “FREEFALL” by Clemens Wolf. These events mark the beginning of an ambitious program set to enrich Vienna's art scene sustainably. 

A Historical Setting for Contemporary Art

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Artists among themselves: Sasha Knezevic poses together with Clemens Wolf. Credit: Mila Zytka

Palais Festetics, an architectural jewel of the Viennese Renaissance, offers a unique setting for cultural encounters with its magnificent rooms and historic staircase. Following the successful launch last year at Villa Mautner-Jäger, Axel Walek, founder of Node Contemporary, has managed to secure this splendid building for temporary use. 

The Opening: Uniting Art and Society

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From (very) young to old: the opening event attracted an illustrious mix of art aficionados to Berggasse 16. Benjamin Sagan, founder of Palais Festetics, can be seen on the right of the bid. Credit: Mila Zytka

The spectacular VIP opening brought together prominent figures from art, culture, and society. Among the guests were personalities such as Patricia Aulitzky, Sasha Knezevic, Safira Robens, Franz-Josef Baur, and many more. Axel Walek and his team proudly presented the two opening exhibitions. “MIRROR MIRROR,” a group exhibition from the Landesmuseum Klagenfurt, explores the diverse use of mirrors in art and the interplay of art and craftsmanship. Renowned artists like Cyril Helnwein, Deborah Sengl, Matteo Thun, and Theres Cassini, who also contributed the “Cucumber Swarm” installation, added to the unique showcase. In the grand rooms of the Beletage, Clemens Wolf's “FREEFALL” impressed visitors. This exhibition explores the interplay of gravity and visual art through his striking parachute works. Particularly, the parachute sculptures in the staircase, transforming the space into a three-dimensional Gesamtkunstwerk, left the audience in awe.

Art in Vienna: A Hub of Creativity

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Actress Safira Robens, accompanied by Emilio Epstein, celebrated the new hotspot for art in Vienna. Credit: Mila Zytka

Node Contemporary sees itself as a hub for art and culture, making extraordinary spaces accessible to the public and creating added value for the community and historical buildings. “The goal is to move people and set new impulses,” emphasizes Benjamin Sagan, responsible for events. The combination of historical settings and visionary exhibitions bridges the gap between past and future, which is particularly significant in a culturally rich city like Vienna.

A Must-Visit for Art Lovers

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Among the evening's guests: Franz-Josef Baur, Alexa Feser and Martin & Gloria Traxl. Credit: Mila Zytka

With the opening of Palais Festetics, Node Contemporary is setting new standards for the art scene in Vienna. The opening exhibitions offer not only visual delights but also intellectual stimuli that will engage visitors long after. Palais Festetics promises to become a central venue for cultural events, fostering the dialogue between art and society. For art lovers and culture enthusiasts, a visit to Palais Festetics is an absolute must. Due to the exclusivity of the premises and for security reasons, entry days and places are limited. Detailed information about the exhibitions and opening hours is available upon registration on the website nodecontemporary.com.

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