Vienna Hay: Armenian Life in Vienna
Mutual art
The Armenian community in Vienna is one of the city’s oldest. In 1685, Johannes Diodata, an Armenian from Istanbul, was granted the first license to publicly serve coffee – earning him recognition as the founder of Vienna’s iconic coffee house culture. Trade agreements between the Habsburg and Ottoman paved the way for many more Armenians to settle in the city.
Today, the Armenian Apostolic Church – part of the Orthodox Christian tradition – serves as the cultural, spiritual, and religious heart of the community. Longtime residents, newcomers from Armenia, and members of the global diaspora all come together to form a vibrant and evolving identity proudly known as “Vienna Hay.” In Armenian, Hay means Armenian, and the term “Vienna Hay” reflects the unique identity of Armenians living in Vienna.
This exhibition, curated by members of the Armenian community, features photos of Armenian life in Vienna. These are paired with interviews that offer a window into life, identity, and belonging – shaped by connections between Vienna, Armenia, and the wider diaspora.
Contact details
Website +43.1.505.87.47
Karlsplatz 8 Vienna, Austria 1040
