New access solution for Vienna's famous Musikverein concert hall

The Wiener Musikverein is world-renowned as one of the most traditional concert halls and home to Vienna's top orchestras. Top international artists also come here regularly. Built in 1870 by Theophil Hansen, this historic building is located on Karlsplatz, not far from Vienna's magnificent Ringstrasse. The famous New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is broadcast every year from the magnificent Große Musikvereinssaal, also known as the Golden Hall. Several hundred people enter the Musikverein every day, which is open 365 days a year. To ensure controlled and secure access, the staff and artists' entrance was equipped with the Galaxyport access system from access solutions expert Wanzl.

Increased security for the Musikverein

The Musikverein organises around 500 concerts a year. With its first-class programme, the Musikverein is considered the centre of Vienna's musical high culture, attracting friends of classical and modern music from all over the world. There are rehearsals and concerts at the Musikverein every day, so there are a lot of people going in and out of the building. "After an internal security evaluation, a decision was made to make access more controlled and secure and not just at the main entrance for concert goers. Electronic access control systems from Wanzl were installed at the side entrance, which is specifically for employees and artists," reports Mag. Renate Futterknecht, Commercial Director of the Wiener Musikverein. Daniel Elsner, responsible project manager at Wanzl Austria, continues: "The two Wanzl Galaxyports provide convenient and secure access to the building, as well as controlled checkout when leaving the building."

Discreet and easy access solution

A transparent swivel arm made of toughened safety glass and a slim, anthracite-grey coated stainless steel column – with this discreet, modern design, the Galaxyport blends discreetly with the entrance area of the Musikverein. "The entire system, consisting of two passages, was customised to meet the needs of the Musikverein. Two different passage widths ensure maximum barrier-free access despite limited space," says Daniel Elsner. LED lighting on the swivel arm signals the operating and release status. The swivel arms open in two directions, with the opening direction detected by the preceding scan columns. Every employee in the building has their own RFID card that allows them to enter and exit the building through the system. Artists and visitors, on the other hand, are authorised to enter the building by the porter via a control panel or radio remote control. "On the one hand, the system should be as simple as possible, and on the other, its structure should be self-explanatory. As a result, each passage has its own front-mounted RFID scanning columns. Initial concerns about the changed conditions have been quickly overcome thanks to the ease of use and increased security," says Renate Futterknecht.

Customer-specific design and assembly

The entire project took about a year, from the first contact with the Musikverein to the final acceptance of the installed system. A cross-border Wanzl team from Austria and Germany was involved in the project, not only designing the system specifically for the customer, but also assembling it on site. "This required alterations to the substructure and recesses in the walls and porter's lodge. The challenge was to assemble it during rehearsals and concerts, but our team took this into account," says Daniel Elsner. Design, functionality, customised solution, competent processing and service – these were the criteria on which the Vienna Musikverein based its decision in favour of Wanzl. "We were impressed by Wanzl's high level of local availability, their consideration of our specific requirements and the quality of the product," says Renate Futterknecht.