Palais Epstein

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  • Address
    Dr-Karl-Renner-Ring 1, Innere Stadt
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  • Phone
    401 10 0
  • Website
  • Transport
    bus: 48A
tram: D, J, 1, 2, 46, 49

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Lonely Planet review

Designed by Parliament's architect Theophil Hansen, Palais Epstein began as home to the prominent Jewish family Epstein before being sold off in 1873 due to financial problems. It later became the infamous Soviet Union headquarters during the 'four men in a jeep' period after WWII. Nicknamed the 'Gateway to Siberia', around 1000 Austrians passed through its doorways on their deportation route.

Following extensive renovations in 2005, it has been used for parliamentary purposes and has a small interactive display detailing the life of the Epstein family, Vienna's Jews in the late 19th century and the Soviet occupation of the palace.

Its glass atrium rises an impressive four floors, but more inviting is the tour of its bel étage rooms; with its elaborate ceiling of gold lacework and circular frescoes (Hansen based it on detail in the Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Venice), the Spielzimmer (play room) is easily the highlight.