Security Threats Prompt Concert Cancellations
Three highly anticipated Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna scheduled for this weekend were abruptly canceled due to security threats, leaving thousands of fans disappointed. In response, several of the city’s museums and businesses have stepped up to offer free entry and other incentives as part of a broader tourism initiative aimed at ensuring that fans still have an unforgettable experience.
Vienna’s Heartfelt Response to Fans
In a press statement, Vienna Tourist Board CEO Norbert Kettner expressed the city’s commitment to making the weekend special for those who traveled to attend the concerts. “Vienna is doing everything it can to ensure that the thousands of Swifties who have traveled to our city still have an unforgettable weekend. Vienna would like to thank all the fans for their understanding and solidarity, whose reactions show that nothing and nobody can destroy the cohesion in our society,” Kettner said.
Museums Waive Fees for Taylor Swift Ticket Holders
Ticket holders for the canceled concerts will be granted free entry to several of Vienna’s top museums this weekend, including the Mozarthaus Vienna, House of Music, KunstHausWien, and the Jewish Museum Vienna. Other participating institutions include MAK Vienna (Museum of Applied Arts), MAK Geymüllerschlössel, the modern art museum Mumok, the print specialist museum The Albertina, and the museum at the Haus of Strauss. Additionally, the Museumquartier is offering free guided tours in English and German on August 10 and 11.
Fans Make the Most of Their Visit
Brooklyn-based independent film producer and director Waverly Colville, who purchased her concert tickets over a year ago, discovered the cancellations just before flying from Stockholm to Vienna. Despite the disappointment, Colville and her group decided to continue their trip. Upon arrival, they were greeted with social media posts from the Vienna Tourist Board promoting the various offers and initiatives aimed at concertgoers.
“It felt like everyone was going above and beyond to make sure that all the concertgoers that were there in the city had a good time in Vienna, even though this unfortunate event happened,” Colville shared.
Experiencing Vienna’s Cultural Riches
With no specific plans aside from attending the concert, Colville took advantage of the free entry to the Mozart museum. She reflected on how the promotion led her to an experience she might have otherwise missed. “Honestly, if the Mozart museum wasn’t free, and did this big promotion to let the concertgoers come for free, I don’t know if I would have went,” Colville said, noting her childhood experience with the violin. “It was really cool getting to experience something that maybe I normally wouldn’t have done otherwise.”
Colville observed that the museum was filled with young women, easily identifiable as Taylor Swift fans by their friendship bracelets and concert merchandise. “I don’t think that would have been the case had the concert not been canceled and the museum gave us free admission. I did feel like it brought in a lot of people that wouldn’t probably have normally went under normal circumstances.”
City-Wide Solidarity Among Swifties
Throughout the city, fans could be seen wearing Taylor Swift T-shirts, friendship bracelets, and outfits intended for the concert, filling the streets, museums, and restaurants. In addition to the free museum entry, offers for fans included complimentary meals at burger restaurants, gifts from the crystal company Swarovski at its retail stores, and free entry to the outdoor pool facility Stadiobad.
Stephansplatz, a public square in the city’s center, became a gathering spot for fans to sing Taylor Swift songs and exchange friendship bracelets. The sense of camaraderie culminated in a marriage proposal surrounded by Swifties.
Taking Full Advantage of Vienna’s Offerings
In addition to viewing Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss at the Belvedere Palace, Colville expressed plans to explore other museums offering free entry. “It’s like there’s nothing to lose,” she said. “I think it would be a waste not to take advantage of it and see as much as we can.”
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