For over a century, the intricate early works of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, adorning the lofty ceilings of Vienna’s renowned Burgtheater, remained largely unseen by the public. Now, a unique opportunity has emerged for art enthusiasts to witness these masterpieces up close, as daily guided tours lead visitors high onto scaffolding amidst a crucial restoration effort.
The ten oil paintings, situated 18 metres above the theatre floor, are undergoing extensive conservation due to water damage. This rare access allows a fresh perspective on Klimt’s formative years. Hannes Höllinger, 60, who recently joined one of the tours, remarked: "The special thing about Klimt for me at least is that we only know about his later works. It was very interesting to see that already at age 24 he made these very beautiful paintings which I myself had not seen before."
