Strauss statute returns renovated

One of Vienna’s top tourist attractions has been unveiled after a five-month restoration phase.

The larger than life-sized statue of famed waltz composer Johann Strauss jun. had to be renovated. City officials explained that especially its socket was in need of extensive restoration. They initially claimed costs would range around 360,000 Euros. Reports from today (Fri) have it that the activities created expenses of just 300,000 Euros. A replica of the statute was set up within sight of the original monument’s position in March to avoid frustration among vacationers.

The revamped monument was presented by Viennese Social Democratic (SPÖ) Housing Councillor Michael Ludwig and the party’s Culture Councillor Andreas Mailath-Pokorny yesterday. Their party has formed a coalition with the city’s Greens since last year.

Hundreds of holidaymakers visit the Stadtpark every day to photograph the Strauss statue. The 100-ton monument was erected in 1921 to make aware of his achievements and their positive impact of Vienna’s image in the world. Strauss wrote some of the most famous waltzes in the world. However, the “King of Waltz” also penned acclaimed operas and polkas. He died in 1899.

The Kurier newspaper claims that no other Viennese sight is being photographed more often than the statue. This would mean the monument beats highly popular attractions such as Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Riesenrad Ferris wheel. Vienna’s hotels and guesthouses registered around 1.18 million overnight stays in August. The city’s tourism board said this was an all-time record figure for that month.