Volkstheater acquires the historic hall of the Rosenhügel Studios for 3 million euros!

Volkstheater acquires the historic hall of the Rosenhügel Studios for 3 million euros!

A historical milestone for the Vienna Volkstheater: The traditional institution has acquired Hall 1 of the former Rosenhügel film studios in Liesing for a good 3 million euros. In the future, stage sets will be developed in this hall, which will mean a very welcome logistical relief for the Volkstheater. Managing director Cay Stefan Urbanek emphasizes how rare such spaces are in Vienna and what potential this location has. Hall 1 is expected to go into operation in 2026 ORF reported.

The Rosenhügel film studios, which have existed since 1921, are a true jewel of film history. Among other things, the classic “Masquerade” from 1934 and the popular series “A Real Viennese Doesn’t Go Down”, which was broadcast from 1975, were created in these halls. But the history of the area is not only valuable in terms of film, but also architecturally significant. Parts of the studios, including Hall 1, have been listed since 2011, while the entire site has been designated as an urban development area since 2014, in which, for example, condominiums, a kindergarten and a supermarket have been built.

A piece of film history

The Rosenhügel film studios were originally built between 1920 and 1923 and opened on April 23, 1923 in the presence of Federal President Michael Hainisch. At the beginning, the Wiener Kunstfilm-Industrie GmbH was founded here, which later became known as Vita-Film. At that time, the hall had the most modern technology to offer and was unique for its time - with a large water basin for special recordings and its own electricity system.

The Rosenhügel Studios experienced an eventful history with brilliant moments, such as the premiere of the first sound film in Austria, “Csibi, der Fratz”, in 1934. But difficult times also characterized the area: During National Socialism it served as a forced labor camp and in the post-war period the studios were taken over by the Soviet occupying forces. The last major production there was the film adaptation of Beethoven's “Fidelio” in 1956.

The future in sight

After years of uncertainty and protests against the demolition of the studios, which was planned as part of the city's development, the future of the Rosenhügel film studios is now secured. With the acquisition by the Volkstheater, the area will not only be artistically revitalized, but the historical substance will also be preserved. The artistic business benefits from direct logistical advantages, and the planned adjustments, including cooperation with the monument protection authority for a new delivery gate, show that the combination of old and new can be successful here.

We are therefore facing an exciting development in Vienna that will both enrich the cultural landscape and take the history of the Rosenhügel film studios to a new level. It remains to be seen what stage sets will be created here in the future and what other stories from the halls of film history will find their way onto the stage.