Hotel Sacher Vienna celebrates its 150th anniversary – with sculptures by Erwin Wurm | News
Hotel Sacher Vienna opened its doors in 1876 and will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The anniversary year starts with the presentation of the sculptures “Step Big” and “Dancer” by the famous artist Erwin Wurm in front of the hotel entrance. These were solemnly unveiled on March 26, 2026 in the presence of the artist, the mayor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig, and the owner’s family. They will remain on display there for the entire anniversary year.
“150 years of Hotel Sacher Vienna stands for a lived tradition combined with constant innovation, but also for the passion and excellence of the many people who have shaped Sacher for generations. Both guests and employees. It is thanks to them that we can stand here today,” emphasize the owners Alexandra Winkler and Georg Gürtler.
“I would like to congratulate Hotel Sacher on its 150th anniversary. Sacher represents Viennese history and genuine hospitality, making it an important ambassador for Vienna around the world,” says Vienna Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig.
Oversized handbags for the hotel
To mark the start of the anniversary year, Hotel Sacher Vienna presents two sculptures by the internationally renowned Austrian artist Erwin Wurm at the entrance: ‘Step Big’ and ‘Dancer’, extra large handbags on long, slender legs. The installation can be understood as a poetic reflection on the ‘invisible baggage’ that every person carries with them, shaped by origins, history and experience. At the same time, this collaboration emphasizes Sacher’s strong bond with art and culture.
“I created these walking, jumping, dancing and stepping bags to address certain ideas about how we design ourselves, how we present ourselves, how we pretend, what we want to be and how we want to be seen – both in the men’s world and in the women’s world,” explains Erwin Wurm.
150 years shaped by family and excellence
The foundations of Sacher date back to 1832, when Franz Sacher created the original Sacher-Torte. To this day, it is made by hand in 34 separate steps and is considered a culinary icon of Vienna. With the opening of Hotel Sacher Vienna in 1876, Eduard Sacher continued this success story and, together with Anna Sacher, developed the hotel into an internationally renowned meeting place for society. Hotel Sacher Vienna is one of the few private, family-run five-star hotels, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and was included in the list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025.
The sculptures mark the start of the anniversary celebrations. Other initiatives, such as messages from prominent personalities and a short film combining animation and live-action footage, will follow. More information can be found at: www.sacher.com/en/sacher-vienna-150-years.
