The Traditional Shop Signs Of Vienna

The typography of shop signs in a city can contribute to its aesthetic character, from glitzy neon lettering to traditional swinging logos. Stadtschrift is a typographic museum in Vienna that is aiming to preserve and document historical façade lettering, which they fear is being lost due to the decline of small businesses. The association wants to ‘promote awareness of the handwriting of Vienna by preserving obsolete logos with nostalgic meaning from being scrapped.’ Here’s a small selection of their finds, as well as iconic signs that continue to light up the city streets.

Vintage cinema

Casino, Cinema, Shop

This italic neon lettering belongs to Film Casino, one of Vienna’s vintage cinemas.

The Stadtschrift museum

Museum, Shop

This wall, arranged by the Stadtschrift museum, contains various rescued shop signs, meaning that they can continue to be appreciated by the public.

Classic travel agents

Timeless handbag store

A family butcher

The mustard yellow letters stand out from the shop front of this butcher shop.

Iconic chains

One of Vienna’s café chains, Aida, opts for shocking-pink neon lettering. The cake, ice cream and coffee shops are dotted all around the city.

influences

Shop

Although it was established in the naughties, Café Espresso has a distinct 1950s vibe, including the italic neon lettering on the façade.

A traditional look

The classic painted letters of a guest house in Vienna.

Quirky and unusual

Church, Shop

This quirky sign designed in the shape of a tea strainer belongs to Viennese company Demmer Tee Haus and can be found close to the Karls Church (Karlskirche).

Art Deco style

Cinema, Shop

The neon letters of the Bellaria Kino cinema glow in the winter snowstorm. https://www.instagram.com/p/BQS1O1cl3j1/?tagged=bellariakino

Iconic and well-loved

Shop

Café Pruckel is one of Vienna’s most iconic coffee houses, where you can enjoy delicious traditional Viennese pastries and soak up the elegant atmosphere over a cup of good-quality coffee.