State staircase on the Landtmann side

In 1879, Klimt formed a partnership with two fellow students, his brother Ernst Klimt (1864-92) and the society painter Franz von Matsch (1861-1942). Over the next decade, they received numerous commissions for the decoration of public buildings, including the new Burgtheater. Here, in 1886-87, Klimt created impressive ceiling paintings in both staircases.

In the state staircase on the “Landtmann” side of the Burgtheater - the side nearest the renowned Caf� Landtmann - Gustav Klimt recreated the theatre of antiquity in Taormina, Sicily. The state staircase on the “Volksgarten” side is adorned with a depiction of the London Globe Theatre and the final scene from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” In the background, the painter immortalized himself and his two colleagues.

Emperor Franz Joseph was so delighted with the paintings in the gala staircases that he bestowed the Golden Cross of Merit on the members of the artists’ group.