History

A Legacy of Grandeur: The Story of Palais Hansen

Nestled on Vienna’s Ringstraße, the Palais Hansen is more than a luxury destination—it is a living monument to the city’s imperial past. Originally designed by architect Theophil Edvard von Hansen, the Palais was conceived for the 1873 World’s Fair, a pivotal event that showcased Vienna’s emergence as a cosmopolitan capital.

The Visionary Behind the Palace

Born in Copenhagen in 1813, Theophil Hansen began his architectural journey under the influence of Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a master of Prussian classicism. Hansen’s early career took him to Athens, where he immersed himself in Byzantine and classical Greek architecture. In 1846, Hansen moved to Vienna, where he became one of the most influential architects of the Ringstraße era. His style evolved into a refined form of Neo-Renaissance historicism, characterized by grandeur, symmetry, and rich ornamentation.

Architectural Legacy

Hansen’s architectural legacy in Vienna includes some of the city’s most iconic buildings such as the Austrian Parliament Building, the Musikverein, Palais Epstein, Palais Ephrussi, the Vienna Stock Exchange or the Acedemy of Fine Arts, a center of artistic excellence, still in use today.

Hansen’s attention to detail extended beyond architecture to interior design, collaborating with artisans like J. & L. Lobmeyr, famed for their crystal chandeliers and glassware. He also worked closely with A.E. Köchert, the Imperial and Royal Court Jeweler, to create interiors and showcases that reflected the same elegance and precision found in Köchert’s exquisite jewelry.

From Imperial Showcase to Urban Sanctuary

Though originally built as a hotel for the World Exhibition, Palais Hansen was never used for that purpose. Over the decades, it served various civic functions before being meticulously restored and reopened as a luxury hotel. In 2013, it was reborn as a five-star urban resort, blending historic elegance with contemporary comfort.

In 2023, the hotel joined Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, ushering in a new era of refined hospitality while honoring its storied past.

A Timeline of Timelessness

1873 – Palais Hansen is completed for the Vienna World’s Fair.
Late 19th – 20th century – The building serves as a municipal office and administrative center.
2013 – After extensive renovation, it reopens as a luxury hotel.
2023 – Becomes part of the Anantara portfolio, continuing its legacy of excellence.

Experience the Past Live the Present

Today, guests of Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna walk the same halls once envisioned by Hansen himself. Whether admiring the grand staircase, dining under crystal chandeliers, or exploring the Ringstraße, every moment is steeped in history and elegance.

Follow in the Footsteps of a Master

To truly immerse yourself in the legacy of Theophil Hansen, we invite you to join our exclusive Anantara Signature Brand Experience: “Following the Footsteps of Theophil Hansen.” Led by a dedicated Hansen expert, this behind-the-scenes tour offers privileged access to hidden architectural gems, personal stories, and immersive insights into Hansen’s dual mastery as both architect and applied artist. It’s a journey through Vienna’s golden age—seen through the eyes of the man who helped shape it.