MUSEUM CAFÉ tmw Vienna

Olivia Wieser

TMW Café – from entrance hall to museum meeting place

The TMW Café transforms the historic entrance hall of the Vienna Technical Museum into an open, versatile space on two levels – with areas for families, restaurant guests, lounge and picnic. On busy days, additional areas can be flexibly incorporated into the café by opening the curtain that runs around the perimeter, or deliberately separated to provide non-consumption zones in the gallery.

Space & atmosphere:
The existing steps have been reinterpreted with a step bench and integrated seating steps, connecting both levels. A textile curtain frames the café, gently separating it from the museum space and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Family zone & dining alcoves:
Since a large proportion of the museum’s visitors are children, the step bench forms a flexible family zone, which can also be used as a bench for birthday parties at the bottom. Glazed sitting niches offer a place to retreat with a view of the main hall.

Focus on acoustics:
Targeted acoustic measures ensure that conversations remain clear, noise is muffled, and the atmosphere remains cozy:
• Upgrading of ceiling panels with profiled acoustic elements
• Step bench and seating steps with integrated acoustic elements
• Wall paintings and surrounding curtain

Materials & details:
• Solid wood three-layer panels, steel, and textured glass characterize the structural elements
• Table tops with linoleum surfaces and metal edges designed especially for the TMW
• Linoleum seating steps and numerous upholstered benches for comfort and acoustic effect
A space that impresses with its aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

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Location: Vienna
Client: Technisches Museum Wien
Type: Museum Café
Function: Restaurant/ Café 170 p.
Area: 400m2
Completion: 2025

Project Gallery

tmw Café | Seating area, lower level

tmw Café | Picknick Area

tmw Café | View towards the entrance

tmw Café | Seating steps

twm Café | View from above

tmw Café | Picknick Area

Olivia Wieser AT

http://www.mo-architektur.at
Burggasse 88/2-3 | 1070 Vienna