10 June 2025  Freiluft in New Surroundings: From Baroque to ContemporaryAfter several vibrant seasons in the park of Palais Auersperg, Vienna's open-air summer gastronomy and culture venue Freiluft has moved for the first time to a new, art-historically rich location: the Augarten. From 17 June to 31 August 2025, this edition unfolds in a space once used by Francesca Habsburg's TBA21 for contemporary art projects, now repurposed under the stewardship of Burghauptmannschaft Österreich.Where 18th-century baroque met urban greenery in the past, Freiluft now anchors itself in an area more explicitly shaped by postwar cultural history. At its heart is the Gustinus-Ambrosi-Atelier, constructed in the 1950s as a studio and residence for the sculptor Gustinus Ambrosi. Previously home to exhibitions like Foto Wien and the Kiev Biennale, it now offers Freiluft an indoor dimension—something previously absent in its Palais Auersperg iteration. Focus on Sculpture and Contemporary VoicesThe indoor exhibition "Augartensommer" presents a wide range of artistic positions—from painting to photography and sculpture—with a particular focus on artists from Vienna's 2nd district in dialogue with international works. Sculpture has always been a component of Freiluft, but this year it takes on deeper resonance in the context of the historical atelier grounds. Outdoors, pieces by artists such as Elisabeth von Samsonow, Talos Kedl, and Teresa Grandits activate the park space. Grandits, in particular, contributes a newly created work specifically for this setting, underscoring the dynamic interplay between site and sculpture.Freiluft's evolving concept now includes readings, performances, and talks, with an indoor program that emphasizes dialogue and artistic encounter. Regular vernissages with the exhibiting artists and formats like "ARTur," a weekly afterwork event with art and live music, support this expanded focus. From Langos to Vegan Kebab: Culinary Diversity Remains CentralDespite the shift in artistic orientation, Freiluft maintains its reputation for culinary variety. This year's food selection spans Italian antipasti and Pinsa, sushi, smashed burgers, vegan beef tartar, and grilled wild game. One of the culinary highlights comes from Mete Selis, whose "Döner Veltliner"—a vegan sellerie-based kebab paired with natural wine—was inspired by an art opening and merges gastronomic creativity with artistic inspiration.The food-art crossover continues with appearances by "Selektiert," a Vienna-based collective blending culinary experimentation and visual art. Their presence underscores Freiluft's ambition to be more than a food festival, aiming instead to establish itself as a multidisciplinary platform. Markets, Mindfulness, and Music: The Summer ProgramAlongside its core offerings of art and cuisine, Freiluft announced today a diverse program of events. Markets such as the Vintage Market Vienna (11–13 July) and the Hippie & Goa Market (30 August) add lifestyle and design dimensions. Also on the agenda: classical concerts, mindful body workshops, outdoor fitness, and running clubs.The official website freiluft.co.at will feature continuous updates to the program, which already promises a rich calendar—from silent discos to literary readings. The opening of the "Augartensommer" exhibition on 26 June at 18:00 marks the start of the cultural programming. A short video posted today on Instagram gives a first glimpse of the new location and atmosphere. Image: The picture shows the Atelier Augarten, a light-filled building originally constructed in the 1950s for sculptor Gustinus Ambrosi. From June 17 through August 31, 2025, it will host Freiluft's indoor exhibition space, connecting Vienna’s artistic heritage with contemporary summer culture. Photo: © leisure communications/Christian Jobst |