On 14 June 1955, our head office was opened at Ringturm in Vienna. Considered special at the time, it is now called "moderately modern architecture". The Austria Wochenschau commented on the building as follows: "That's not America, that's Austria...". Ringturm is now a landmark and is regarded as a symbol of the regained freedom and economic re-emergence of Austria after the war and years of occupation. At the same time, it is our workplace and a place of international cultural encounters.
Norbert Liebermann, then CEO of Wiener Städtische, decided to have a new head office constructed. It was built from 6 February 1953 to 11 June 1955. The opening took place on 14 June 1955.
Erich Boltenstern, the architect of the building, had emigrated to the USA during the period of National Socialism and had become familiar with and appreciated the practicality of modern office buildings. Reinforced concrete skeleton construction was chosen as the design.
On the roof of Ringturm, there is a weather mast connected to the computer system of the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics on Hohe Warte. 117 lights on the 20-metre-high column show the weather in Vienna depending on the weather and data situation of the next day.
The 20th floor hosts regular events, while exhibitions take place on the ground floor.
73.05 metres, 20 floors above ground, 3 basements. In comparison: Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral is 108.7 metres high.
2.3 cm in transverse direction, 2.0 cm longitudinally
For many employees, our two paternosters are a popular alternative to the lift and stairwell. They are genuine highlights, being two of the last to be in operation in Vienna. Perfect for changing floors in relaxed style. The rotating technique comes from mining and the name originates from the Holy Rosary. Fans of this special lift are affectionately called paternostalgists.
Since 2006, Ringturm has been transformed into an art piece every summer. Austrian and international artists can make their statement and enter VIG's art history on a canvas measuring around 4,000 square metres.
At Christmas time, a 60-metre-high Christmas tree adorns our tower, made of energy-efficient LEDs and with a special "snowflake effect" that seems to flutter down from the top of the tree. Recently, the hours of illumination per day have been reduced to save electricity.
