Palais Arnstein

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Palais Arnstein was a palace in Vienna¹. The building was constructed in 1794-96 by the merchant Franz Natorp. The Jewish noble Nathan Adam von Arnstein rented the palace, since Jews were not allowed to own property in the city^[1].

Contents 1 The Salon of Baroness Fanny von Arnstein 2 See also 3 Notes 4 References 5 Literature

[edit] The Salon of Baroness Fanny von Arnstein

Franziska Freifrau von Arnstein, who popularly was known as the Baroness Fanny von Arnstein, was the wife of Nathan von Arnstein. She originally came from Berlin and was the daughter of the courtier Daniel Itzig. She established a salon in the palace, which quickly became the focus of Vienna's intellectual and cultural life. Because of her famous salon, she was able to break the barrier between the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the Jewish citizens of Vienna. Her sister Cäcilie von Eskeles also had her own famous salon in Vienna. This was another step towards the emancipation of the Jews in the Austrian Empire. The palace saw many balls, concerts and literature readings. This made Baroness Arnstein very well-known and highly-esteemed: even Emperor Josef II called her his friend and would pay visits. During the Vienna Congress, the salon was a meeting-point for diplomats for informal talks, even hosting the likes of state chancellor Prince Metternich.

In 1814, Fanny von Arnstein introduced a new custom from Berlin, hitherto unknown in Vienna: the Christmas tree. The tradition of celebrating with the Christmas tree was adapted by many upper-class Jewish families as another step towards integration with the larger, Christian society. But despite this step of almost complete assimilation, Fanny von Arnstein never forgot her roots and did not convert to Christianity.

After the death of Fanny von Arnstein, her daughter Henriette Freifrau von Pereira-Arnstein continued her mother's tradition as salonière. Many other salons were established by Jewish ladies, such as that of Josephine Freifrau von Wertheimstein and her sister Sophie Freifrau von Todesco in the late 19th century.

The palace was hit by bombs during World War II and burned. Nevertheless, the building remained standing. At first there were plans for renovation, however the palace was torn down in 1952 for real estate speculation, and a modern building was erected in its place instead^[2].

[edit] See also

• History of the Jews in Austria

[edit] Notes

¹ Address was at Hoher Markt 1, in the I. District Innere Stadt

[edit] References

[edit] Literature

• Michaela Feurstein, Gerhard Milchram. Jüdisches Wien. Boehlau Verlag, Vienna. 2001. ISBN 3-205-99094-3