Europe in Vienna

For ten whole months, from September 1814 to June 1815, the imperial residential city of Vienna was the centre of Europe. Never before had there been a comparable meeting of sovereigns and their ambassadors: two emperors (Tsar Alexander I, Emperor Francis I [II]), five kings (Frederick I of Württemberg, Frederick VI of Denmark, Frederick William III of Prussia, Frederick August I of Saxony, Maximilian I of Bavaria), and many princes and diplomats from practically all parts of the continent converged upon the capital for the diplomatic proceedings.

The reordering of the European continent aimed to secure political stability at last after the Napoleonic Wars. Europe's borders were redefined, and the political balance of power re-established. These diplomatic proceedings were accompanied by entertainments of all kinds, including balls, festivities, sleigh rides, and receptions, as well as theatre performances and musical events, the splendour of which were documented in words and pictures.

Vienna blossomed as the centre of social life; the enhanced purchasing power also boosted the economy, brought foreign painters into the imperial capital, and spurred on all genres of art production on the home front. Thus, the city became the political, cultural, and social nucleus of Europe.

With numerous historical photographs, paintings, and historical documents, Europe in Vienna will show the impact that this meeting had on the whole European continent, and especially on Vienna. Several essays will draw light on the political, cultural, and entertainment aspects of this event of the century.