Session or se-session? (Secession)

Member Name: zoe_page_1

Product:	Secession
Date:	26/07/01 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: In op

Disadvantages: In op

A few days ago, one of my friends and I were debating the pronunciation of this place. She said the “c” was a “se”, I said it was silent (the fact that a “c” could be a “c” was just not an option). Although we never came to any conclusions, we did decide to go and have a look around it – this is my 4th time in Vienna and I’ve never been inside, although this summer I walk past it twice a day on my way to and from work.

The Secession is basically an art gallery spread over 3 floors, but don’t be fooled into thinking that there’s a lot to see because, frankly, there is not. On the ground floor there is an odd display of a story about a murder being told through photographs. If you climb inside the structure you can also see a video of this tale which has been dubbed into English. There are 5 parts and although Lou and I somehow missed out the intro, and the screen showing part 2 was broken, we didn’t miss much. The story’s rather strange but I liked the fact it had been filmed in Berlin, Vienna and NYC among other places so I could recognise some of the scenery.

On the upper level there was just one room showing slides of what looked like people’s backs. Just slides and slides of backs from different angles – interesting.....

In my opinion, the lower floor was the best though. This had two main parts – some models dressed in various fashions and a Klimt room. Gustav Kilmt (1862 – 1918) was one of Austria’s most celebrated artists. Most of his works are on show at Belvedere, a palace in the south of the city, but here at the Secession they had some preparatory sketches and some what I think were Frescoes around the ceiling.

The building itself is a work of art – designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich it is a cube shaped white affair, with a magnificent gold ball on top – arriving at Karlsplatz (Underground lines 1
, 2 and 4) you can follow the signs to the relevant exit, and once at ground level you can hardly miss it.

The museum costs 60 Ös for adults and 40 Ös for students / concessions. It’s open until 6pm Friday to Wednesday, and until 8pm on Thursday. There’s a small shop which sells Kilmt memorabilia and post cards (10 Ös – 50p each, not that expensive for an arty place).

The Secession is not that bad, although it is fairly small. The exhibitions change quite frequently supposedly, so if you’re there in autumn onward I’d recommend mayybe having a quick peep in, but this summer unless you have a weakness for men’s backs and bad (well appalling really) acting, stay away. After all, if I can describe everything on offer in 450 words that shows you how little is currently on offer.

Summary: