Located in an affluent suburb of Vienna, Austria, Villa Beer is a landmark of modernist residential architecture that opened to the public for the first time in March 2026 following a five-year restoration. A visit to Villa Beer is a highlight for travelers interested in architecture, design and Jewish history.

Commissioned by Julius and Margarethe Beer, a cultured Viennese Jewish family, the villa was designed between 1929 and 1930 by Josef Frank in collaboration with Oskar Wlach. It was conceived as a complete ensemble, with architecture, interiors, furnishings, textiles and landscaping designed as an integrated whole, reflecting their innovative interpretation of modernism.

While the exterior appears austere, with a whitewashed facade, cubic forms and minimal ornamentation, subtle asymmetry—including varied window shapes and two distinct off-center entrances—hints at the unexpected interiors.

Inside, Frank deviates from the rigid geometry and strict functionalism of contemporaries such as Le Corbusier and Adolf Loos by creating a fluid sequence of interconnected open-plan spaces that prioritize comfort, movement and daily life.

Inspired by historic urban planning, where streets lead to a town square or town hall, he designed the house as a series of circulatory paths anchored by the main staircase leading to the living spaces.

Large windows and expansive terraces reinforce the connection between tthe interiors and the outdoors.

There is also an underlying playfulness in the design, with irregular window placement, varied ceiling heights and unexpected sightlines and entrances, such as the primary entrance to the dining room, which is accessed through the staff quarters rather than the one used by the Beers and their guests.

Frank’s use of vibrant textiles with botanical motifs and layered patterns softens the architecture’s clean lines and restrained palette, introducing warmth, whimsy and individuality.

This emphasis on comfort and references to the natural world, a counterpoint to modernism’s austerity, would later define his influential work with the renowned Stockholm design firm Svenskt Tenn.

At the heart of the villa is the music room and tea salon, reflecting the Beers’ love of music and their enjoyment of hosting dinner parties and salons for Viennese artists and intellectuals. Set on a mezzanine level and centered around a circular window, the space allows performances to be enjoyed from the living areas below.

Additional highlights include the reception hall with expansive bay windows overlooking the garden, a living room organized around a fireplace inspired by English interiors, a small library, and a dining room with a parquet floor in mahogany, rosewood, maple and oak.

The upper floor contains the family’s private quarters.

A separate circular service staircase connects all levels of the house. Notably, the staff areas feature the same fixtures and built-in elements as the main living spaces, reflecting Frank’s egalitarian approach to design.

The villa’s history reflects the upheavals of the 20th century. Following a financial decline and the Anschluss in 1938, the Beer family emigrated to the United States; their daughter Elisabeth, who remained behind, died in Maly Trostinez. The house was later used by British intelligence until 1954 and subsequently fell into decline.

Purchased by the current owner in 2021, the villa has since undergone a meticulous restoration that preserved original elements and Frank’s layout. Where possible, the original firms involved in the house’s construction were re-engaged to restore features such as radiators, fireplaces and windows, while modern technical updates were discreetly integrated. Select pieces of Frank’s furniture have been reintroduced, although the rooms remain intentionally spare.

Today, the house hosts lectures, concerts and residencies.

The attic has been renovated with guest rooms and a kitchen furnished with Frank’s designs and available for overnight stays, and the house can also be reserved for private dinners and events.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to plan a private Austria tour featuring an exclusive visit to Villa Beer and other highlights of Vienna’s rich art, architecture and design heritage.