Europe in Vienna – The Congress of Vienna 1814/15

“The Congress of Vienna is one of the most important international mega events in European history. Two hundred years ago, Vienna became Europe's political, cultural, and social hub for a period of several months. The Congress was hosted by Emperor Francis I of Austria. All of the major European powers sent their delegates in order to confer about how to reorganise the continent, which had lost its stability during the Napoleonic Wars. Austria was represented by the Prince of Metternich, who also functioned as the president of the Congress. The declared goal was to achieve peace in Europe through a balance of powers and thus secure order on a long-term basis. The diplomatic negotiations were accompanied by a number of social events and entertainments, the enormous splendour of which has been captured in numerous written and pictorial documents. In those days, Vienna was flourishing as a centre of cultural life, with many artists coming to the imperial city and inspiring all genres of domestic art production. Europe in Vienna – The Congress of Vienna 1814/15 will be on view at the Lower Belvedere and the Orangery from 20 February to 21 June 2015. The comprehensive exhibition will highlight both the political and social aspects of this extraordinary event, which kept all Europe on tenterhooks over several months”.