Tehran center showcases designs by Austrian architect Otto Wagner

An exhibition displaying designs by Austrian architect and urban planner Otto Wagner (1841–1918), who was known for his lasting impact on the appearance of his hometown Vienna, is underway at the Niavaran Cultural Center in Tehran, AVA Diplomatic reports.

Austrian Ambassador Stefan Scholz and several Tehran municipal officials attended an opening ceremony for the exhibition “Otto Wagner – Unlimited City” on Tuesday, the Persian service of Honaronline reported on Wednesday.

Seventy works by Wagner have been selected for the showcase by the curators Golmar Khatibi and Andreas Nierhaus.

In a brief speech during the opening ceremony, Scholz said, “We celebrate the outstanding achievements of Otto Wagner, the famous Austrian architect who died 100 years ago.”

“‘Otto Wagner – Unlimited City’ gives us the chance to be familiar with the viewpoints of the great artist,” he added.

“He could modernize Vienna and, of course, his distinguished character attracted ardent supporters and also brought him harsh opponents,” Scholz noted.

He said that affinities between Wagner’s students such as Victor Gruen and Gabriel Guevrekian and Iranian architects had a significant influence on the early modern architects of Tehran.

The exhibition, which has been organized in collaboration with the Austrian Cultural Forum, will run until August 28.