Can you believe that behind this unassuming facade, the Palais Mollard-Clary has been witness to centuries of Vienna’s history? This Baroque palace, built in the late 17th century, stands proudly on Herrengasse, in the heart of Vienna’s first district. The Mollard family, who originally owned it, were influential figures in the imperial court. They played key roles in the political landscape, right here on this very spot. The house was later bought by Count Franz Wenzel von Clary und Aldringen in 1760, and it was then that the famous “round tables”, gatherings of Vienna’s most important nobles, took place within these walls. Emperor Joseph II, known for his progressive reforms, was a regular at these meetings. They were a hotbed of ideas and influence, shaping the future of Austria.
The palace was later transformed into the Lower Austrian State Museum, before becoming the home of the Austrian National Library in the early 2000s. Today, you can find the Globe Museum, the Department of Music, and a department dedicated to planned languages, including the Esperanto Museum, nestled within its walls. Each room whispers of the rich history that has unfolded here, from the whispers of imperial decrees to the echoes of musical masterpieces. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the echoes of Vienna’s past, a symphony of stories and secrets resonating within this grand old palace.