Qwien opens in Vienna: A sign against the identities!

Qwien opens in Vienna: A sign against the identities!

Ramperstorffergasse 39, 1050 Wien, Österreich - On June 11, 2025, the new cultural center for Queere History, Qwien, in Ramperstorffergasse 39 will be ceremoniously opened in Vienna-Margareten. This location is intended to be a lighthouse project for queer culture and history and enrich all of Vienna with its diversity. The center is not a place where queer stories only tells, but also serves as an archive, library and research center. It comprises over 10,000 titles and more than 500 queer magazine titles from over 50 countries. The collection also includes personal discounts and materials on the history of the Nazi persecution of homosexuals, which gives Qwien a special status, not only in Austria, but also internationally.

Hannes Sulzenbacher, co-manager of Qwien, emphasized that the neighbor right next door, the "Rautenklause", a restaurant of the identity movement, is a special challenge. He expresses that you have to share this neighborhood and the city should set an example against the right movement. According to reports, however, it remains to be seen how the interaction between the two facilities will look in practice. Sellner, an activist of the identities, meanwhile sees the cultural center as "doesn't matter".

a place of memories and the future

Qwien has gathered significant treasures from the queer past of Austria through extensive research, which range from the Middle Ages to the post -war period of the 20th century. A historical exhibition entitled "Making history" will be shown from the opening until November 9th. The vernissage takes place on June 11th and is accompanied by numerous events.

Although Qwien is supposed to be a place of visibility and cohesion, the neighborhood for the identity is not without conflicts. In recent years there have been demonstrations repeatedly, both left and right groups. One remembers the numerous protests against events such as Dragqueen readings in which representatives of the identities were also involved. The protection of the constitution will be active in the event of riots in the vicinity of the two institutions.

a safe home for queer culture

To create a safe environment for all visitors: qwien has taken security measures, including alarm systems and video surveillance in the entrance area. The city of Vienna, represented by City Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler (SPÖ), has the intention of making queer life visible. It is also planned to organize various events and exhibitions that are supposed to further strengthen social awareness.

Overall, the new location of Qwien is emphasized as an important space for research, education and exchange. This testifies to a future -oriented approach that places diversity and openness at the center of cultural life in Vienna. The expectations are great and the anticipation for what can arise in Margareten is noticeable.

For more information about Qwien and the opening of the first exhibition, you can visit the official Qwien website: qwien.at .

More details about the developments related to the cultural center can also be found in the Tiroler daily newspaper href = "https://presse.wien.gv.at/presse/2025/04/qwien- Viewbarererfreit-auf-dem-weg-zum-queeren-schicht-und-kulturzentrum"> Wiener Stadtpresse .