BG 13 Fichtnergasse

Hidden within the vibrant district of Hietzing, lies a place brimming with history and knowledge. The BG 13 Fichtnergasse. A school. But not just any school. It has witnessed the ebb and flow of Vienna’s rich past, shaping young minds for over a century. The BG 13 Fichtnergasse first opened its doors in 1897. Its original home was a temporary location on Diesterweggasse. The grand building on Fichtnergasse, designed by Emil von Förster, was completed in 1900. Can you picture the excitement of that day? Distinguished figures like Minister Wilhelm von Hartel and Mayor Karl Lueger attended the inauguration ceremony. A bronze bust of Emperor Franz Joseph I graced the vestibule. The BG 13 Fichtnergasse wasn’t always easy to reach. The newly opened Stadtbahn made Hietzing more accessible. The electric tram line 58, now line 10, stopped right outside the school. Imagine students traveling from the city center to attend classes within these historic walls. The BG 13 Fichtnergasse also experienced turbulent times. After World War I, the bust of Franz Joseph was removed. Girls were admitted for the first time in 1919. The school became a hub of progressive education under the Glückel School Reform. During the Anschluss, the school’s director, Josef Stadlmann, was forcibly removed. The school became a temporary quarter for the SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. Tragically, many Jewish students were forced to flee or perished during the Holocaust. The school’s story continued after World War II. Stadlmann returned as director in 1945. The BG 13 Fichtnergasse persevered, rebuilding and expanding, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope. Today, the BG 13 Fichtnergasse remains a vibrant educational institution. It carries the weight of history within its walls. As you stand before this historic building, take a moment to appreciate the generations of students who have walked these halls. They have gone on to become influential figures in various fields. From presidents to Nobel laureates, the BG 13 Fichtnergasse has helped shape the future of Austria and beyond.