"Science Communication Center": Start for Renovation 2026

In advance, Science Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) symbolically handed over the building's key to the operators of the "Science Communication Center." Christine Dornaus from the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG), Heinz Faßmann from the Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), Ronald Maier from the University of Vienna, and Jens Schneider from the Vienna University of Technology participated in the handover.

"Science Communication Center" as a Connection of Science Locations in the District

The listed building rented by BIG, which is to function as a venue for dialogue and interaction between science and society with an area of 4,500 square meters from mid-2027, aims to be "open to all" in the future, said Lindinger. The planned passage will also be "accessible around the clock." Historically, there was already a passage house here: "We have revived this architectural concept," the new passage is intended to better connect the three science locations in the district - the "Science Communication Center," the ÖAW Academy Campus at Dr.-Ignaz-Seipel-Platz, and the Otto Wagner Postal Savings Bank, among others, also the location of the Science Fund FWF and various research groups. On one side of the passage, there will be a gastronomic offer and a "consumption-free zone" after realization, as Lindinger, also a professor at the Mozarteum Salzburg, explained. On the other side, the entrance to the exhibition house is planned, including various display areas, a "discourse theater" for discussion events on the ground floor, and workshop rooms on the first floor. The historic Jesuit Hall on the second floor will also continue to serve as a venue.

Architectural Plans Include Passage Between Wollzeile and Bäckerstraße

The design by the architectural firm Mohr-Niklas Architekten also includes a redesign of the forecourt on Wollzeile and a modified staircase, including a barrier-free access to the center with a lift system. The rather poor acoustics of the rooms, which were also revealed during the presentation of the architectural plans, is an important issue, as Lindinger confirmed. Solutions that can also be implemented within the framework of monument protection are currently being discussed. The current "Aula der Wissenschaften" will close as an event location at the end of the year, and after preparatory work, construction activities are to begin in March 2026. These are to be completed by about February 2027, as Lindinger reported.

"Science Communication Center" "Should Be a Social Place"

The "Science Communication Center" - a more accessible name is still being developed with the involvement of the target group - "should be a social place where people like to be," said Lindinger. The aim is to address current science here in the future and thus certainly contribute to reducing the often-attested lack of interest in science in Austria. At the same time, it aims to show what role science plays or can play in one's own life. The 17-million-euro project, which was financially secured in 2024 as part of the three-year performance agreements between the Ministry of Science and the operators, receives 11.3 million euros from the Ministry of Science, 4 million euros from the Ministry of Education, and the remainder of the total amount from BIG. For the operation of the science communication center, the ÖAW, the University of Vienna, and the Vienna University of Technology founded a separate company. The operating costs will be covered by the three sponsoring organizations.

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(APA/Red)

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