to every age its art and to art its freedom

I remember reading about the vienna secession movement when I was a teenager. spearheaded by the mighty gustav klimt, it marked a radical departure from the established viennese art scene of the late 1800s. I remember being completely enamoured with the whole idea of these artists rebelling against the art establishment and creating fresh and beautiful new things, albeit with massive financial backing from their wealthy donor friends.

this is what most caught my attention: the secession, a unique art nouveau styled building with what looks like a golden cabbage sitting on its top, decked out with classical greco-roman trimmings and natural elements, sitting with a charming arrogance with its back to the rest of the city. it was designed specifically to house the secession artists' own works of art, and to wave two fingers up at the traditionalists.

this is one of my favourite buildings, and it was a huge thrill to finally meet it 'in the flesh.' the inscription above the entrance and below the cabbage reads, 'to every age its art and to art its freedom.'