Why is this building called “Haus der Begegnung,” House of Encounter? We are standing in front of a building that has borne witness to Vienna’s vibrant history. This is the Haus der Begegnung, a place where people have gathered for over a century.
The Haus der Begegnung wasn’t always a place for learning and cultural exchange. Built in the early 1900s, it served as a center for the Vienna Health Insurance Fund. Designed by Wilhelm Stiassny, it reflected the architectural trends of the time. After World War II, the building took on a new purpose.
In 1963, the City of Vienna decided to repurpose the building as a place for people to connect and learn. This marked the birth of the first “Haus der Begegnung” in Vienna, inaugurated by Mayor Franz Jonas in 1964. Today, the Haus der Begegnung is more than just a building. It’s a bustling hub of activity, hosting everything from conferences to art exhibitions. Each year, over 450,000 people walk through these doors, participating in a wide array of educational and cultural events.