Picture the Thonetschlössl. Its facade whispers tales of centuries. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to Mödling’s rich history.
Originally founded in 1631 by Johann Baptist Verda von Verdenberg as a Capuchin monastery the Thonetschlössl has seen it all. The Turkish wars ravaged it in 1683. It was rebuilt only to be secularized in 1785 under Joseph II. Imagine the monks leaving their hallowed halls. The building then became a silk and cloth factory. Later it was a bleaching plant then a theater a silk factory. Its history is as varied as the threads of a fine tapestry.
In 1845 Archduchess Elise von Salm transformed the former monastery. She gave it a castle-like appearance. The Salm/Liechtenstein coat of arms still adorns the gable. It’s a poignant reminder of its transformation.
The Thonet family acquired the building in 1889. This is where the name Thonetschlössl comes from. They added to its grandeur. The family’s legacy is entwined with this building’s story. Then in 1931 the Mödling City Savings Bank bought it. The Thonetschlössl became home to the district museum. This museum opened in 1904. It documented Mödling’s history.
During World War II the Thonetschlössl became a Wehrmacht office. After the war it housed the police. It wasn’t until 1958 that the city of Mödling reacquired it. Once again in 1965 the Thonetschlössl opened its doors as the district museum.
Look closely at the building’s architecture. Note its symmetry. It has a three-story central section and two-story side wings. The historicist facade boasts a rusticated base and pilasters. On the garden side you can see a portal balcony and window group. The baroque nave of the old monastery is still visible. The former church vaults are now a part of the ballroom.
The museum itself is a treasure trove. It holds a collection of Avar artifacts. These are unique worldwide. There’s also a geological collection. The museum preserves Mödling’s past. It features the lives of famous residents like Mitsuko Coudenhove-Kalergi and Josef Hyrtl. The museum’s library houses the digitized works of Joseph Hyrtl including editions by Paracelsus and Johannes Wesling.
The Thonetschlössl’s story is far from over. It continues to evolve. It stands as a symbol of Mödling’s resilience. It’s a place where history and present day seamlessly intertwine. Take a moment to appreciate this incredible journey. The Thonetschlössl is more than just a building; it is a living memory.