Maria-Theresien-Platz Wien, Wien 1010
Seated: 100
Standing: 300
The magnificent stairwell is a highlight of the Ringstrasse architecture. On the pedestal of the staircase, flanked by two imperial lions, stands the Theseus group created by Antonio Canova. The large ceiling painting, the "Apotheosis of the Renaissance", comes from the Hungarian painter Mihàly Munkácsy. Hans Makart decorated the twelve lunettes of the staircase with depictions of great artists, while the spandrel paintings were painted by Ernst and Gustav Klimt as well as by Franz Matsch. The landing in front of the Theseus monument is particularly suitable for welcoming guests personally or starting the evening with music or dance.