The Kursalon Hübner, one of the most prestigious properties in Vienna’s city centre, is to be given a facelift as part of an extensive renovation and will also be opened up towards the Stadtpark using an extension. What news outlets had already suspected has now been officially confirmed. Lindt & Sprüngli Austria have been secured as the new operator for the operational reorientation and are now involved in the planning and conceptual design in a creative and future-oriented way.
The extensive renovation and conversion plans for the Kursalon Hübner, built in 1867, were announced last year. Used for decades as one of Vienna’s best-known event locations and concert halls, the future direction of the venue will change significantly with the new operator, which was brokered by Christie & Co. While parts of the Kursalon will continue to be used flexibly, Lindt & Sprüngli Austria have come up with innovative and enriching ideas to implement the conceptual reorientation of this historic landmark. In particular, the focus will be on usability for the local population as well as for international guests.
The two managing directors of Kursalon Hübner, Katharina Daimer and Astrid Hübner, have expressed their delight at the collaboration: “After several years of working on the complex planning and structural redesign of the Kursalon, we are particularly pleased to have found the final piece of the puzzle in the overall concept with Lindt & Sprüngli Austria as the operator. We are now working towards the common goal of reopening the Kursalon for high-quality local and international touristic use after the renovation and, in particular, restoring it to its former glory while also preserving the character of the city park. We would like to thank Christie & Co for their active support in the market approach.”
Simon Kronberger of Christie & Co, Director for Austria & CEE, commented on the selection of the new tenant: “It is not an everyday occurrence to market such a historically significant property in Vienna. In line with this, the international interest from operating companies, some of which presented very different approaches and utilization concepts, was extremely high. We are therefore all the more pleased to have been able to identify a long-term partner for the operation who is also interested in the preservation and quality of this special property.”
The conversion of the Kursalon is set to begin in January 2025, with the spacious terrace overlooking the city park also being completely renovated. The reopening under the new concept is expected from mid-2026.
