Did Emmerich Kálmán ever imagine his likeness would grace Vienna’s Türkenschanzpark? Here at the Emmerich-Kálmán-Denkmal, we celebrate the life of this prolific composer. The Emmerich-Kálmán-Denkmal, erected on April 24, 1977, consists of a bust of Kálmán atop a pedestal, a tribute to his contributions to the world of operetta. The inscription on the pedestal simply reads: “Emmerich Kalman 1882 1953”. This monument in the Türkenschanzpark is actually based on a similar monument in Bad Ischl’s Kurpark, where Kálmán spent many summers. Interestingly, the bust here at the Emmerich-Kálmán-Denkmal, and the one in Bad Ischl, were both created by the Hungarian sculptor Gyula Meszes-Toth. The plaque, unfortunately, omits a crucial part of Kálmán’s story: his exile during the Nazi regime due to antisemitic persecution. This missing piece underscores the importance of remembering the full context of history. As we stand before the Emmerich-Kálmán-Denkmal, let’s appreciate not only his musical genius but also the resilience of artists who faced adversity.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to