11.12.2025 – 08.02.2026
The Armenian community in Vienna is one of the oldest in the city. Johannes Diodato, an Armenian from Istanbul, received the first privilege to serve coffee publicly in 1685 and is thus considered the founder of Viennese coffee house culture. Trade agreements between the Habsburg and Ottoman empires enabled Armenians to settle in Vienna. Today, the life of Vienna’s Armenians revolves around the Christian Orthodox Armenian Apostolic Church, which is the cultural, spiritual and religious centre of the community. Long-established residents, new arrivals from Armenia and the worldwide diaspora make the community itself their home and shape an identity that Armenians confidently describe as ‘Vienna Hay’. This is because “Hay” means Armenian in Armenian, and ‘Vienna Hay’ are Armenians living in Vienna. The exhibition is designed by young members of the Armenian community. It shows photos of Armenian life in Vienna, and interviews with Armenians provide insights into the realities of life and identities between Vienna, Armenia and the worldwide diaspora.
‘Vienna Hay’ – Armenian Life in Vienna
11.12.2025 – 08.02.2026
Wien Museum
Karlsplatz 8
1040 Vienna
www.wienmuseum.at
