29th of July, 2025
On the fifth day of our Interrail journey, we arrived in Vienna at around 1 p.m, went to our hostel and then we had lunch. After, we headed to the concretization of our principal goal in the city: a meeting with a representative from the association “Hunger auf Kunst und Kultur” (“Hunger for Art and Culture”). The meeting was highly interactive, with input from both sides. The representative explained the main goals and structure of the initiative, which aims to make cultural life accessible to people with low income or health issues. Through a special card provided by social services, individuals in need are granted free access to cultural activities, such as theatre, cinema, festivals, museums.So far, over 53,000 cards have been distributed in Vienna alone, in cooperation with a wide network of institutions. One of the highlights of the project is its partnership with Caritas, which allows people with reduced mobility to enjoy the same cultural rights as others. Despite its success, the organization aims to expand further and bring culture to more people in vulnerable situations.
After the insightful meeting, we explored some of Vienna’s cultural landmarks. We visited the Burggarten, a historical garden where we found the Mozart monument: a tribute to one of the most influential composers of classical music and a symbol of Austria’s rich musical heritage. Nearby stands a statue of Emperor Franz Joseph I, reflecting Austria’s imperial past.
We then continued to the Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, known for its artistic excellence.
Finally, we visited St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Vienna. With its Gothic architecture and rich history, the cathedral remains a free public space where people of all backgrounds can gather, pray, or simply admire its beauty. There, we hear music coming from an organ, played in real time.In the evening, we had dinner and returned to our accommodation, filled with inspiration from a city that clearly values inclusion through culture.
