Was able to visit the exhibit Controlled Freedom at the Vienna Museum today ( for once a train delay works in one’s favor). An excellent exhibit about how the four Allied powers guided the reintroduction of cultural activities into Vienna right after WW2 (technically even in the last days of the war in Europe). Also includes documentation, short film clips etc of the overall Vienna occupation from 1945 on. I especially enjoyed seeing the wall map of Vienna war damage, and footage of street scenes showing extensive war damage in some areas but also photos of relatively intact areas as well. Well worth the extra 12 euro price (permanent collection of the Vienna Museum is free I believe).
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
23659 posts
Thanks. This one i want to see. Is it a permanent exhibit?
An interesting thing I had to, still trying, to come to terms with is the Russian attitude on the same subject. Pest survived very much in tact but Buda was nearly bombed to the ground. That means the castle and most every other structure. The commie Russians paid for and oversaw the reconstruction of Western Empire buildings. Why? History is never in a straight line.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5875 posts
Mr. E you better get here quick as it ends on Sept. 7. That said, the Wien Museum is (in my opinion) the best museum in Vienna. And it is free. Go anyway.
https://www.wienmuseum.at/controlled_freedom_the_allied_forces_in_vienna
Posted by
OP
Greater Sacramento
643 posts
Unfortunately it only runs through Sep 7. Thought I missed it as the museum was closed on Mondays but my ÖBB train was 75 minutes delayed so was able to sneak in a visit. got on but now we’re stopped outside of Brno. It’s going to be a long trip to Bad Schandau.
Posted by
OP
Greater Sacramento
643 posts
Yeah, on my next visit I want to see the rest of the museum plus some more neighborhoods.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
23659 posts
Shucks, I leave for Bosnia in a few days. I would have loved it.
rob in cal, OBB inhales deeply. You just gotta relax with it.
Posted by
2569 posts
rob in cal, OBB inhales deeply. You just gotta relax with it.
In Austria a train is called "on time" if the delay is 5 minutes or less.
OeBB local trains are 95% on time, long-distance trains (suffering from border crossing delays) 80% on time.
DB local trains in Germany are less than 90% on time, long-distance trains less than 60% on time.
https://www.oebb.at/de/rechtliches/puenktlichkeit/oesterreich
https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/konzern/konzernprofil/zahlen_fakten/puenktlichkeitswerte-6878476
Posted by
Washington DC
29320 posts
I'd have loved to see that special exhibition (the Wien Museum is indeed very good), but it's a bit far from my current location (Amsterdam). For others who can't get to Vienna in time: The Third Man Museum in Vienna has interesting information about the immediate post-war period. I'm sure the Wien Museum exhibition is more professionally displayed, but The Third Man Museum is worthwhile. Don't expect to get in and out in an hour if you're interested in the historical information as well as the film stuff.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5875 posts
I agree. The Wien Museum is amazing, free and often overlooked. It is newly remodeled and walks visitors over three floors through the fascinating history of Vienna. Displays are in English as well as German. If I can toot my own horn, I have a special connection to the museum as my photos have been selected for two separate special exhibits. If you want to see my photos of Vienna (including the ones selected), then check me out on Instagram @3point14maker (shameless plug, I know, but I truly believe that my photos will inspire visitors).
Posted by
2569 posts
If you want to see my photos of Vienna ...
Excellent pictures. Thumbs up!