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Address: Senderstraße 130, 1210 Wien
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Delve into the captivating journey of Villa Magdalenenhof, a place that began as a haven for widows and evolved into a witness of wartime activities and a hub of cultural significance perched atop the picturesque Bisamberg hill. Constructed in 1911/12 by Rudolf Dengler as a loving residence for his mother Elise, hailing from Munich's Pschorr brewery family, the villa's history intertwines with the development of the Jedlesee Rudolf Dengler AG Brewery, a historic and sprawling industrial company.
Architected by Paul Hoppe, the villa weathered the tumultuous periods of World War I, the interwar years, and the tumult of World War II. From hosting soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian Army during the First World War to German Wehrmacht members during the Second World War, the villa's walls have witnessed historical upheavals. Even after the war, it found new roles, housing Vienna's agricultural and forestry employees and serving as the Bisamberg transmission system's neighbor.
Evolution remained a constant for the villa. In the mid-20th century, it became a restaurant under Vienna's ownership. By 1986, the Sarsam family took over, establishing a seminar business with a restaurant, pioneering vegetarian cuisine sourced from an adjacent natural garden. The villa transformed into a cultural haven, hosting baroque music concerts, readings, and events, leaving an indelible mark on Vienna's artistic scene.
Beyond its cultural contributions, the villa's surroundings underwent shifts. The Bisamberg transmission system rose and fell, making way for the "Garden Bisamberg" project that aimed to create a botanical natural garden and revitalization of the area. Amidst these changes, the Sarsam family's tenure came to an end in 2010, casting speculation about the future.
The journey of Villa Magdalenenhof echoes the chronicles of a family, a brewery, wars, cultural evolutions, and the dynamic spirit of the Bisamberg hill. This historic edifice stands not just as a building but as a testament to the evolving tapestry of history itself.
PHOTO: 19.08.2023
