22 November 2025  A New Building, A Familiar DebateVienna has a new market hall — and the city has a new favourite topic to argue about. The "Marktraum" at the Naschmarkt opened yesterday, and since then the discussion has filled newspapers, online forums and social media feeds. For months, many wondered whether the already lively Naschmarkt really needed another roof. Now that it stands, opinions range from enthusiastic approval to loud scepticism, published across several Viennese media outlets.Between Love and ComplaintSupporters see the hall as a fresh boost for the area: thirteen new stands offer regional food, specialty products and culinary experiments. From bio meat and wild-caught fish to hand-crafted chocolate, coffee roasting and rescued foods turned into delicacies, the range covers both classic Viennese tastes and modern appetites. A workshop kitchen called "Markträumchen" adds events, tastings and cooking sessions. The greened rooftop terrace promises a popular summer hangout with views over the Jugendstil buildings and the historic market.Critics, however, focus on the design. Some describe the architecture as a "planning mistake," arguing it does not blend with the traditional look of the Naschmarkt. Others say the concept feels more like gastronomy than a true market and fear the new structure weakens the authentic character of the area. These concerns have been voiced repeatedly in local reports, from community platforms to city newspapers. What the New Hall Actually OffersObjectively, the building is 850 m² of glass and wood, adjusted to the historic height and designed with rounded lines to echo the surrounding Jugendstil. It was built on a bridge — a technically demanding project — and it serves as a new gateway to the market. Inside, visitors find everything from vegetables and mushrooms grown in Vienna, to fresh cheese, flowers, baked goods, fish from Carinthia, and a market bar for snacks and aperitivo.Above, the accessible rooftop garden offers one of the nicest perspectives on the market, the neighbouring Naschpark and the weekend flea market. Whether this is enough to win over the sceptics remains to be seen. A Very Viennese Kind of ProblemLet's be honest: compared to the world's real problems, a debate about a market hall is harmless — and perhaps even comforting. Complaining about new buildings is one of Vienna's favourite traditions, right after coffee, cake and discussing the weather. In the end, every visitor will decide for themselves whether the Marktraum is a gain or a loss. At least it is one more place worth seeing — even if only to join the discussion afterwards.Image: The new market space at Vienna's Naschmarkt, a modern pavilion made of glass and wood with a wide roof and green terrace access, surrounded by market visitors. Photo: © Stadt Wien/Markus Wache |