Café Griensteidl facts for kids
Café Griensteidl was a very old and famous coffee house in Vienna, Austria. It was located right in the heart of the city, near the beautiful Hofburg Palace. This cafe was a special place where people gathered to chat, read, and enjoy coffee. It was known for its lively atmosphere and for being a meeting spot for many creative people.
A Famous Coffee House
The first Café Griensteidl opened its doors in 1847. It was started by a man named Heinrich Griensteidl, who used to be a pharmacist. The cafe quickly became a popular spot. It was located at Michaelerplatz 2, right across from St. Michael's Church. This area is a very important part of Vienna's Innere Stadt district.
In January 1897, the original building where the cafe was located was torn down. This happened because the Michaelerplatz area was being updated and rebuilt. So, the first version of Café Griensteidl closed its doors.
A Hub for Artists
Even though the first cafe closed, its memory lived on. During the early 1900s, the original Café Griensteidl was a favorite place for many talented people. Artists, musicians, and writers often met there. They would discuss their ideas, share their work, and find inspiration.
Some of the famous people who visited included:
- Hugo von Hofmannsthal, a well-known writer.
- Arthur Schnitzler, another important writer.
- Arnold Schoenberg, a famous composer.
- Alexander Zemlinsky, also a composer.
- Hermann Bahr, a writer and critic.
- Rudolf Steiner, a philosopher.
- Hugo Wolf, a composer.
- Stefan Zweig, a popular writer.
This shows how important Café Griensteidl was to Vienna's cultural scene.
A Comeback and Farewell
Many years later, in 1990, Café Griensteidl reopened its doors. It quickly became a popular place once again. People loved its traditional Viennese coffeehouse feel. It was a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
However, the cafe faced a challenge. The cost of rent in the city started to go up a lot. Sadly, the owners could no longer afford the rising prices. Because of this, Café Griensteidl had to close its doors for good in June 2017. It was a sad day for many who loved this historic coffee house.
Gallery
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Old Café Griensteidl, before 1897
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Old Café Griensteidl interior, before 1897
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Café Griensteidl, printing by Reinhold Völkel, 1896
