Was it generosity of spirit or a touch of melancholy that led Franziska von Wertheimstein to gift this park to Vienna? Before you stands the Franziska von Wertheimstein Stone, a memorial to a woman who, in life, was known for her kindness and generosity. Franziska, born in 1844, inherited the magnificent Villa Wertheimstein in Döbling. She transformed it into a vibrant salon, a hub for artists and intellectuals like the writer Ferdinand von Saar and the architect Theophil Hansen. Franziska possessed a deep well of empathy. This empathy led her to become known for her philanthropy, though some would take advantage of her kind nature. It is said that Franziska’s spirit was deeply affected by the death of her dear friend, Ferdinand von Saar, a loss compounded by a struggle with her own mental health. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, her love for Vienna never wavered. Upon her death in 1907, Franziska bequeathed her beloved villa and the surrounding gardens to the city, “for the well-being of the people.” Today, the villa houses the Bezirksmuseum Döbling, a testament to local history, and this serene park, the Wertheimsteinpark, stands as a testament to her enduring legacy of generosity.
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