Amerlinghaus

The Amerlinghaus is a self-run cultural centre in Vienna’s Neubau district. It occupies the former home of painter Friedrich von Amerling, built around 1700. The house once bore the name ‘Zu den drei Herzen’ before becoming known as the Amerlinghaus. In 1803 the artist was born there. After decades of private use it stood empty and decaying until 1975, when local residents occupied the building to stop its demolition. The occupation turned into a week-long festival that led to talks with the city council. In April 1978 the newly formed ‘Kulturzentrum Spittelberg’ took over the renovated building. Political groups including the Greens held their early meetings here. Over the years the centre hosted concerts, film nights, readings and debates. It also housed a kindergarten and, from 1978, an alternative school for local children. Today the Amerlinghaus remains one of Vienna’s few continuously self-managed cultural spaces. Political and cultural organisations still meet inside its walls. The building’s history is visible in its Biedermeier architecture and the stories of its occupation. Visitors can join events or simply walk past the modest façade on Spittelberg.