Palais Epstein

[1] The architect was Theophil Freiherr von Hansen, who also designed the adjacent Austrian Parliament Building.

Unlike traditional Baroque noble palaces in Vienna, Palais Epstein was built in the late 19th century and is therefore considered a Ringstraßenpalais.

Following the Gründerkrach ("Founders' Crash", the 9 May 1873 crash of the Vienna Stock Exchange), Epstein had to sell the palais to the Imperial Continental Gas Association, an English gas company, to avoid bankruptcy.

After that, it briefly served as a branch of the Academy of Music and Performing Arts and then again for the School Authority until 2002.

A permanent exhibition about the history of the palais and its owners has been set up in the basement, and there are guided tours of the bel étage (first floor), which has been restored to its original state.