Thonetschlössl

In the charming town of Mödling, Austria, lies a hidden gem that has withstood the test of time and history: the Thonetschlössl. This remarkable building, now home to part of the district museum, is a testament to the rich and varied past of the region. Its elegant architecture and fascinating history make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.

The History of Thonetschlössl

The story of Thonetschlössl begins in 1631 when Johann Baptist Verda von Verdenberg founded a Capuchin monastery on this very site. However, the monastery's tranquility was short-lived, as it was destroyed during the Turkish War in 1683. A year later, in 1684, the monastery was rebuilt, only to be secularized in 1785 under the reign of Joseph II.

In 1786, the building was acquired by Giacomo Caliano, who repurposed it for the production of silk and fabrics. By 1806, it had transformed into a chemical bleaching facility, and by 1821, it served as a theater. The building's versatility and adaptability are truly remarkable. In 1833, the entomologist Ernst Heeger acquired it through an auction, and it once again became a silk factory.

From 1845, the building saw a period of transformation under the ownership of Altgräfin Elise von Salm, née Liechtenstein, who remodeled it into a palatial structure. Some sources suggest that between 1845 and 1862, it was owned by Maria and Joseph von Demel, who resided on the nearby Demelgasse.

In 1889, the Thonet family acquired the building, and it remained in their possession until 1931 when it was purchased by the Mödling Savings Bank. Since 1904, the building has housed the district museum, and it continued to do so even after the Anschluss, when various Wehrmacht offices were located there. After World War II, it served as a police commissariat until 1954, and later as a gendarmerie station. In 1958, the city of Mödling acquired the building, and since 1965, it has once again been home to the district museum.

The Architecture of Thonetschlössl

The Thonetschlössl is a symmetrically designed building with an elevated three-story central section flanked by two-story wings, all topped with hipped roofs. The facade facing the square is strictly historicist, featuring a rusticated base zone and pilasters. The garden-facing side boasts a portal-balcony-window group on the central risalit, and the stepped gable showcases the Salm/Liechtenstein alliance coat of arms from the mid-19th century.

At its core, the building retains the baroque church nave of the original monastery, preserved within the central risalit. The former barrel vaults of the church are still present in the upper floor's banquet hall. These vaults were adorned with neo-baroque stucco decorations in the third quarter of the 19th century, adding to the building's historical and architectural charm.

The Museum and Its Exhibits

The Thonetschlössl is not just a beautiful building; it is also a treasure trove of historical artifacts and exhibits. The museum documents the development of the Mödling landscape, showcasing rocks and fossils that tell the story of the region's geological history. It also features one of Austria's earliest collections of Avar artifacts, providing a glimpse into the lives of this early medieval people.

The museum also delves into the history of Mödling during the Turkish Wars, highlighting the town's resilience and strategic importance. Visitors can learn about famous residents of the town, such as Mitsuko Coudenhove-Kalergi and the anatomist Josef Hyrtl. A significant portion of the museum's collection comes from the paleontological private collection of local historian Oskar Spiegel. This collection was acquired for the museum with the support of the federal and state governments, as well as the city of Mödling.

Another highlight of the museum is the library of Joseph Hyrtl, which includes editions of works by Paracelsus and Johannes Wesling. These valuable texts have been digitized and made available to the public online, ensuring that Hyrtl's legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Since 2008, the museum association has published a biannual cultural magazine called medilihha, further promoting the rich cultural heritage of Mödling and its surroundings.

The Museum Park

The Thonetschlössl is complemented by a beautiful museum park, which was opened in 1957 and is also a protected monument. The park features a baroque fountain basin, a Pietà group on a pedestal from 1756, and three inscribed tombstones from the 16th and 17th centuries. One notable monument is the Protestant stone from 1581, dedicated to Wolfgangus and Zezilia Reitperger, a Protestant councilor and market judge. The park also includes a fragment of a Gothic column that was damaged in 1529 and 1683 by the St. Stephen's Cathedral workshop.

In conclusion, the Thonetschlössl in Mödling is more than just a building; it is a living testament to the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Its elegant architecture, fascinating museum exhibits, and beautiful park make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the history and charm of Mödling. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a picturesque place to visit, the Thonetschlössl has something to offer everyone.