It is literally the greatest treasure in the Wien Museum’s possession: the so-called Praterwal. On Tuesday, the 10-meter-long, 1.7-tonne monster was lifted by crane into the building on Karlsplatz, which is currently undergoing renovation – before the entrances narrow after construction work is completed in 2023.
The somewhat grumpy animal from 1951 was the symbol of the 18th-century “Gasthaus zum Whale” in the Prater until 2013. In the Wurstelprater, the advertising figure made of wood and copper foil, designed by Maria Benke, not only impressed by its enormous dimensions, but also had eyes that glowed blue in the dark and the ability to occasionally blow a fountain into the air.
In a museum depot in Lower Austria since 2016
After the old inn was demolished, the whale finally ended up as a gift to the Wien Museum in 2016 and has since been restored in the museum depot in Himberg, Lower Austria. After all, years above the portal to the inn and penetrating moisture had suffered the sea creature.
After the reopening of the Wien Museum, the whale will be one of the major objects in the new hall. The marine mammal here becomes a highlight of the new permanent exhibition in intimate company with the original figures of the Donnerbrunnen, the gala coach of the mayor or the lettering of the old Südbahnhof.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
