The next milestone in the creation of the new Science Communication Center in the heart of Vienna: the renovation plans, set to begin in 2026, have been presented. The building, which currently houses the Aula of Sciences, has been handed over by the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) to the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), the University of Vienna, and TU Wien.

New passage from Wollzeile to Bäckerstraße

The Federal Real Estate Agency (BIG) oversaw the competition (tender for general planning) and will adapt the listed building, which lies between Bäckerstraße and Wollzeile in Vienna’s 1st district. The cityscape will change significantly: the building’s two façades will be opened up from the main entrance, creating a new pedestrian promenade between Bäckerstraße and Wollzeile. A new, separately accessible café will also be established to attract new visitor groups.

With this new passage, all three nearby institutions of science and research — the Science Communication Center, the ÖAW’s Campus Akademie at Dr.-Ignaz-Seipel-Platz, and the Otto Wagner Postal Savings Bank — will be within easy walking distance. This will promote interdisciplinary networking and bring science communication into the city center, accessible to all interested in research.

Minister of Science Eva-Maria Holzleitner:
"Science needs exchange with society in order to unfold its full impact. We want to make science tangible and accessible, especially for the next generation — in spaces that spark curiosity, foster exchange, and inspire! With €11.3 million, the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research is making a decisive contribution to this forward-looking project — a strong signal for science and society."

What is being built on Wollzeile?

The design is by Mohr-Niklas Architekten. Plans include a new pedestrian passage from Wollzeile to Bäckerstraße, a redesigned forecourt on Wollzeile, and a low-barrier entrance into the new Science Communication Center. The listed building will be refurbished and adapted in a resource-efficient manner. Existing technical infrastructure and surfaces will be maintained and upgraded.

The functional renovation will provide new, flexible exhibition spaces: three exhibition halls, workshop rooms, and do-it-yourself labs are planned. A “discourse theater” for debating topics and perspectives is also included.

Austria’s largest Science Communication Center

Upon completion in 2027, Austria’s largest Science Communication Center will open. Covering approx. 4,500 m², it will be a hub where science meets society. With interactive exhibitions, events, and more, around 70,000 visitors per year will be able to experience research up close.

The Center is aimed particularly at teenagers and young adults still in school or vocational training. The total project cost is approx. €17 million: €11.3 million will come from the BMFWF, €4 million from the Federal Ministry of Education (BMB), and the remainder from BIG.

The Science Communication Center is a joint project of the ÖAW, the University of Vienna, and TU Wien, which have established a dedicated operating company for its future management.

Voices on the Science Communication Center

Christine Dornaus, CEO of the Federal Real Estate Agency (BIG):
"The historically and architecturally significant Old Aula between Wollzeile and Bäckerstraße has been dedicated to knowledge transfer since the 17th century. Now we are bringing this early Baroque university building into the future and adapting it into a Science Communication Center that will inspire young people and prepare them for a thoughtful, engaged life. BIG has revitalized other buildings in Vienna’s old university quarter in recent years — we are delighted that modernizing the Old Aula will add another attraction to the 1st district."

Heinz Faßmann, President of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW):
"Planning for the Science Communication Center is progressing rapidly. By opening the building, we are also opening science to the public. That is exactly our goal: to spark curiosity about research as people pass by and to invite them to stay longer."

Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the University of Vienna:
"The Science Communication Center is taking shape — with strong symbolic value for Austria as a hub of science. The three largest scientific institutions in Vienna have joined forces on this project to inspire children and young adults to engage with science and research from an early age."

Jens Schneider, Rector of TU Wien:
"With the SCC we are creating an open space where science becomes tangible, relevant, and inspiring for young people. We want to spark curiosity, enable hands-on experiences, and show how research shapes everyday life. The opening of the building and the new passage between Wollzeile and Bäckerstraße symbolize our vision: science should not take place behind closed doors, but in the midst of life — open and welcoming to all. The SCC will become ‘the place to be’ where visions for the future are born."

Christopher Lindinger, Project Manager and CEO of the Science Communication Center:
"The Science Communication Center is a unique opportunity: we are creating a space to rethink science communication, build bridges to society, and establish a new culture of exhibitions. The Center will be interactive, participatory, and inclusive. We see our visitors as co-creators. The redesign of the building will encourage this engagement and create a venue that conveys curiosity, enthusiasm, and inspiration — even through its architecture."