A golden lion stands guard over one of Vienna's most remarkable architectural restoration projects, where a century-old Art Nouveau design has been brought back to life through modern reconstruction. The building at Kleine Neugasse 9 in Vienna's Margareten district showcases how historical architectural heritage can be preserved and revived even when the original structure no longer exists.
The street's naming reflects the practical approach of 18th-century urban planners who showed little creative ambition. Kleine Neugasse, literally meaning "Little New Street," earned its name simply for being a new thoroughfare that was notably shorter than another equally new street nearby. This straightforward naming convention required no particular burst of creative genius from the street namers of that era.
The golden lion that currently adorns the building's facade above the entrance has a fascinating history of persistence. This sculptural element has maintained its position at the same location for generations, even as the building itself has undergone complete transformation. The lion originally served as both decoration and identifier for a modest two-story suburban house that occupied this address until 1901, dating back to an era when buildings were identified by pictorial signs rather than numerical addresses.
What makes this building truly extraordinary is the story behind its elegant Art Nouveau facade. While the design authentically represents turn-of-the-century architectural style, the physical structure itself is remarkably young. The original design came from Emil Hoppe, a student of renowned architect Otto Wagner, whose influence shaped much of Vienna's architectural landscape during the Art Nouveau period.
For decades, the building presented a drastically different appearance. Following wartime damage and post-war reconstruction, it had been transformed into what locals described as a characterless, sanitized remnant that bore no resemblance to its original architectural significance. The building stood as an unremarkable survivor of post-war urban reconstruction, offering little hint of its distinguished design heritage.
The remarkable transformation began with a reconstruction project initiated in the early 2000s. This ambitious undertaking aimed to restore the building's original Art Nouveau character based on Hoppe's historical designs. The project represented a unique approach to architectural preservation, recreating rather than simply restoring a lost facade.
The reconstruction has given this corner of Vienna, near Hugo-Wiener-Platz at the border between the Wieden and Margareten districts, an exceptional architectural gem. The area, which was not particularly well-endowed with architectural attractions, now boasts a distinctive building that draws attention from pedestrians walking along Kleine Neugasse.
This project exemplifies Vienna's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage through innovative means. The result is a fascinating paradox: an Art Nouveau facade that, while authentic in design and spirit, is materially less than 25 years old. This unique approach to historical preservation demonstrates how cities can recover lost architectural treasures even when original structures have been irretrievably damaged or destroyed.
The golden lion continues its vigil over the street, now watching from a facade that represents both historical authenticity and contemporary craftsmanship. This successful reconstruction project stands as a testament to Vienna's dedication to maintaining its architectural character and provides a model for how cities can thoughtfully restore their built heritage for future generations.
