Villa Beer: A Restored Architectural Masterpiece in Vienna

Vienna’s Lost Modernist Gem Reopens After Decades of Neglect

Villa Beer, a striking modernist home in Vienna, has been restored and opened to the public after decades of neglect. Designed by architect Josef Frank in the late 1920s, the building reflects his human-centric approach to modernism. Its revival now offers a glimpse into Frank’s architectural legacy.

The story of Villa Beer began in 1929 when Julius Beer commissioned Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach to create an ambitious private residence in Vienna’s Hietzing district. Completed in 1930, the house became their largest project—yet the Beer family occupied it for only 18 months before financial troubles forced them out. By 1938, the bank seized the property, and later that year, the Czechoslovak state took ownership during Nazi-era expropriations.

Frank’s design prioritised comfort and light, featuring sculptural staircases, intimate seating areas, and expansive windows. His vision extended to the interiors, where fabric patterns and furnishings—later produced by Svenskt Tenn—added warmth to the modernist structure. However, Frank himself never saw the villa’s long-term impact; he emigrated to Sweden in 1933 to escape rising antisemitism.

Decades later, in 2021, entrepreneur Lothar Trierenberg acquired Villa Beer. He established a foundation to preserve the building and transform it into a cultural hub. Today, the top floor hosts researchers, artists-in-residence, and visitors, furnished with Frank’s original fabric designs. The villa now offers guided tours, workshops, and performances, including recitals on a restored 1910 Bösendorfer grand piano.

Villa Beer stands as both a testament to Josef Frank’s innovative design and a space for contemporary creativity. The building’s new role ensures public access to its architectural significance. Its doors remain open for exhibitions, residencies, and events, securing Frank’s legacy for future generations.