Leaving the Habsburg Empire behind, Vienna holds its first free communal elections on May 4th 1919. It becomes the first city of over a million inhabitants to appoint a social democratic administration, whose work between 1919 and the disruption of democracy in February 1934 is to earn much international acclaim.  

The “New Vienna” is a unique socio-political experiment, as it embraces and reforms all spheres of life – from social and health policy to education and housing.  

The permanent exhibition “Red Vienna” is located on the first and the top floors of Washhouse No.2, where originally the bathtubs and showers were accommodated, as well as the water reservoir.  

The exhibition covers four fields:
“Red Vienna’s” history (1919–1934)
“Red Vienna’s” communal housing and ancillary facilities
Clubs of the Social Democratic Workers’ Party
The festivities of Vienna’s working-class movement  

Opening hours
Thu. 13.00 – 18.00
Sun. 12.00 – 16.00 or by appointment  

Opening hours on bank holidays and during holiday times: see web site   

Getting there by public transport
U4 Heiligenstadt, 3 min. walking distance
Tramline D, station Halteraugasse