Did you notice the clock? It’s more than just a timepiece. The Arthaberbrunnen stands here in Vienna a monument to industry and art.
Here at Arthaberplatz, this fountain tells a story of a man named Rudolf von Arthaber. He was not royalty. He was a common man. He was a shawl manufacturer and patron of the arts.
In 1890, this square was named in Arthaber’s honor. The Arthaberbrunnen itself wasn’t erected until later. The family Arthaber decided to build it. They wanted to honor Rudolf.
The Arthaberbrunnen was unveiled on September 27, 1906. The fountain’s design came from architect Karl Theodor Bach. Rudolf Schrörer created the relief. This relief of Arthaber was originally part of the fountain. It was lost after the Second World War.
The inscription plaque is honoring Arthaber. He was a promoter of crafts, arts, viticulture and horticulture. Think of the Vienna he knew. It was an industrial hub and artistic center.
The Arthaberbrunnen saw changes after World War II. In 1989, it was restored. The fountain got its original look back. The relief of Arthaber could not be retrieved.
The Arthaberpark surrounds the fountain. This green space was created in 1904. Karl Lueger was the mayor then. The park offered recreation to the people of Vienna. There was even a children’s pool. It was converted into a youth center in 2005 or 2006.
Notice the Volkshochschule Favoriten near the park. This adult education center has a history. The Volkshochschule Favoriten was founded in 1922. It moved to this location later.
Consider the Brunngraberhof. This residential complex is near Arthaberplatz. It was built between 1957 and 1959. The architects Eduard Berger, Leopold Tinhof, and Bruno Tinhofer planned it. It is named after the writer Rudolf Brunngraber.
The Arthaberbrunnen stands as a reminder. It reminds of Vienna’s past. It also reminds of a man’s contributions. Rudolf von Arthaber supported the city he loved. He supported its growth and its culture. This fountain honors that legacy.
So next time you pass by take a closer look. Think about the history beneath the surface. The Arthaberbrunnen is a landmark. It reflects Vienna’s spirit. It is a blend of industry, art, and community.