“What am I looking at?” I imagine you asking. Before us stands the Messeturm. Not just any tower, this Messeturm is a landmark. Let’s dive into the story of the original Messeturm in Vienna.
The first Mannesmann Tower, also called Messeturm, was erected in 1955. It was a gift to Vienna from Mannesmann AG based in Düsseldorf. Josef Fröhlich oversaw its construction. This wasn’t just a random structure. It was a statement in seamless tubular steel. Mannesmann had developed this process in 1885. The term “Mannesmann tube” became synonymous with seamless steel tubes.
Standing 150 meters tall, the steel lattice tower had a triangular shape. Similar towers appeared in other cities. Düsseldorf and Sao Paulo had their own versions. At night, neon lamps lit up Vienna’s Messeturm.
When Mannesmann showcased at trade fairs, their booth was next to the tower. The Messeturm served several purposes. It aided cellular and non-public mobile land radio. Even the medical emergency service relied on it. There was even talk of using the tower for weather observation. The idea was to measure ground inversions. The tower was high enough to peek above factory chimneys.
Sadly, the original Messeturm was torn down in 1987. But its legacy lives on.
In 2004, a new Messeturm was inaugurated. This new structure stands as a symbol of the Vienna Trade Fair. Gustav Peichl designed it. This modern Messeturm is 26 meters high. It features a 70-meter-tall steel tower on top, weighing 72 tons.
Even in popular culture, the Mannesmann Tower made its mark. In a comedy skit by Helmut Qualtinger and Gerhard Bronner, the tower is mentioned. One character asks: “What can I do with a tower that doesn’t even have a coffee house?” Highlighting its aesthetic appeal, the friend replies: “The sight alone, Travnicek, is worth it.”
The Messeturm, old and new, represents Vienna’s blend of industry and innovation. It bridges the past with the present. The tower is more than steel and lights. It’s a symbol of Vienna’s enduring spirit. A spirit of progress and ingenuity. So, take a good look. Remember the story of the Mannesmann Tower. A gift that reached for the sky.