Sections of the bourgeoisie: Graz in the start between 1850 and 1900!

Sections of the bourgeoisie: Graz in the start between 1850 and 1900!

On February 14, 2025, the exhibition “Stages of the Bürger” opened in the Museum of History in Graz, which grants a fascinating view of the emerging bourgeoisie of the 19th century. In a period of time, when the population of Graz an explosive increase - from around 52,000 in 1850 to more than 138,000 in 1900 - the city experienced a change that shaped the cityscape forever. The exhibition shows how train stations, hotels and coffee houses became central places in social life and illustrates the impressive architectural development that embodied the bourgeoisie. The train station, as the first place of arrival for many travelers, not only provides for mobility, but also a symbol of progress, as steiermark.orf.at

representation and social meeting points

curator Ulrich Becker emphasizes that the train station was more than just a functional building in the 19th century - it represents the representative gate to the city. The exhibition shows what importance the architecture for the self -image of the citizens. The important social meeting points also include the more than 50 Alt-Wiener coffee houses that Graz housed around 1900. These places became a melting pot of society, where citizens and travelers came together under opulent chandeliers and lush plants, while the service personnel in the background ensured a smooth process, such as Museum-joanneum.at reported.

The show offers a variety of exhibits, including print graphics, historical photographs and models that shed light on the cultural and social dynamics of time. In addition to the train stations and coffee houses, the focus is also on the development of schools, parks and spa institutions. The exhibition ends with Sarajevo's shocking assassination attempt in 1914, which shook stable bourgeois society. "Stages of the bourgeoisie" is not only a look back into the important era, but also a thinking about the basics of today's society.

The exhibition is accessible to everyone interested until November 2, 2025. Be part of this journey through time and discover how the bourgeoisie formed a new urban culture and which places were formative for this social advancement.