This
is one of a pair of identical buildings facing each
other across a formal courtyard. In some cities, this
building alone would be enough to constitute a castle,
or a palace. But in imperial Vienna, this amazing
piece of architecture is just another museum. The
word "imperial" is important here because the structure
was erected at the behest of Emperor Franz Joseph
I. It was part of his plan for the overall expansion
of Vienna. It was also built across the street from
the Hofburg Palace, just the place to be seen by visiting
nobility. Visiting dignitaries would no doubt be amazed
by the statues that festoon the building's facade.
In addition to the usual allegorical representations,
there are statues of famous artists. On the front
of the building they represent the Renaissance. On
the left, modern art. In the back, classical art.
And the art of the middle ages faces the Museumsquartier.
The friezes lining the interior of the dome depict
the Hapsburg family.
