Albert Fountain

A quick word about the monumental fountain at the tip of the museum, beneath the equestrian statue of Emperor Franz Joseph. It’s called the Albert Fountain, or sometimes the Danube Fountain. The figures represent the relationship between Vienna and the Danube River, along with its tributaries, symbolising the empire’s power and grandeur. The wild expression on the man’s face is a reminder of the Danube’s frequent and violent floods, while his hand resting on the figure of the city suggests a protective bond – despite the river’s wild nature, it also nurtures the city. During the 1945 bombings, the statue was heavily damaged. Only the figures representing the city and the Danube, along with two tributaries, survived. The niches and the statues of the tributaries on either side of the fountain are a lighter colour because they were recently restored. Today, this powerful monument is officially listed as a historic landmark.