21 - Great and Small Galleries - a podcast by Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H.
from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
You are now in the Great Gallery, which was used by the imperial family for balls, receptions and banquets. More than 40 metres long and almost ten metres wide, the Great Gallery formed the ideal setting for festive events at court. Decorated with crystal glass mirrors, gilt stuccowork and ceiling frescos, it represents a sumptuous example of Rococo art. The frescos are by the Italian painter Gregorio Guglielmi and represent a glorification of Maria Theresa’s rule. In the central fresco we see Franz Stephan and Maria Theresa enthroned and surrounded by the personifications of a ruler’s virtues together with Allegories of the Crown Lands of the monarchy. The two large carved and gilded wooden chandeliers used to take 70 candles each before the palace was electrified in 1901. Since the end of the monarchy the Great Gallery has been used for concerts. In 1961 it was also the setting for the historic encounter between President Kennedy and the Soviet premier Khrushchev. The Small Gallery lies on the side of the palace facing the gardens. It was used for name day and birthday celebrations and offers a wonderful view of the park and the Gloriette, which was built during Maria Theresa’s reign on the crest of the rise opposite the palace. During recent restoration work the Small Gallery had its original glossy white finish dating from the 19th century restored.
Further episodes of Schloß Schönbrunn - The State Rooms and Imperial Apartments on the piano nobile
Further podcasts by Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H.