Bel Etage in Vienna is a gallery of Art Nouveau and Art Deco masterworks. Join Raphael as he tours the collection with owner Wolfgang Bauer, who shares his passion for fine craftsmanship, timeless design, and the remarkable stories behind Austria’s Art Nouveau and Art Deco treasures.
Inside Vienna’s Bel Etage with Wolfgang Bauer
What You’ll See in the Video
Raphael joins collector Wolfgang Bauer for a room-by-room tour of Bel Etage. Together they handle silver centerpieces by Josef Hoffmann, rare Bentwood chairs, and chandeliers that once lit Vienna’s grand cafés—each piece a lesson in turn-of-the-century design and craftsmanship.
“He [Hoffman] made all the designs in the workshops; it was made but he controlled it every day and if he did not like it he threw it away. So if the quality was not okay he threw it away and the pieces were very expensive at the time.”
Wolfgang Bauer, Owner of Bel Etage
Why This Interview Matters
Bauer explains how Austria’s golden age of art and industry shaped every item in his collection, showing viewers how to judge materials, provenance, and quality at a glance. Seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike will gain practical insights on spotting genuine Art Nouveau and Art Deco treasures.
Is your space missing a classic touch?
Highlights from this Video
“Two—two only have been made. The pattern is very special; it’s called the ‘ivy’ pattern.”
A Josef Hoffmann piece rarer than most museum holdings.
“The chair is original. The chair was designed for the Kabarett Fledermaus.”
A chair from Vienna’s legendary cabaret.
“And here's an interesting … these are all like smaller pieces, right?”
Click to zoom in on the smallest, most intricate pieces in the shop.
“They are Viennese chandeliers around the turn of the century with very special glass.”
Check out this segment to see the show-stopping Viennese chandeliers in action.
“One thing I wanted to show you is a very very famous chair by our well-known architect.”
Can you name the architect behind this iconic seat? Check this part out to see if you’re right!
What We Were Wearing
Raphael keeps the gallery visit airy and refined with a brown linen sport coat—note the half-belt and patch pockets for relaxed structure. He opts for a bold blue-and-white striped shirt worn open-collar for effortless ease.
For a discreet flourish, he tucks in Fort Belvedere’s White Linen Pocket Square with Navy X-Stitch Edge; the navy stitching mirrors the shirt stripes without competing for attention. Below, Infantry-blue corduroy trousers from Fort Belvedere anchor the palette and add subtle texture.
Lightweight linen up top and richly textured corduroy below give the outfit relaxed depth without sacrificing refinement.
Visit the Galleries at Bel Etage Today!
“Just looking around here I can tell this is all of the utmost quality level. This is not a flea market finds. This is high-end.”
Sven Raphael Schneider, CEO & Founder, Gentleman's Gazette
Ask the Expert
What makes Bel Etage different from a typical antique store?
The shop is curated like a small museum: every object is chosen for its provenance, craftsmanship, and condition, so visitors see only first-rate Art Nouveau and Art Deco examples.
How are new pieces selected for the collection?
Decades of experience in clock-making, cabinet-making, and metalwork guide Wolfgang Bauer’s eye. He evaluates joinery, materials, and construction details before any item earns a place on the sales floor.
Why was Vienna’s 1880-1918 period so influential?
A larger Austro-Hungarian Empire and well-funded arts-and-crafts schools created an exceptional talent pool. The city’s architects, designers, and craftsmen set international trends that still resonate today.
Which clues help buyers recognize true quality quickly?
Fine details, balanced proportions, precise metal fittings, and clear maker’s marks signal that a piece was produced by top workshops rather than mass-market factories.
Are these antiques meant to be used or just displayed?
Bel Etage encourages owners to incorporate their purchases into daily life. Silver coffee services, bent-wood chairs, and centerpieces were designed for practical use and can still serve that purpose with proper care.
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Hello Rapheal,
One of the things I most enjoy about G.G., is when you go a bit afield and publish a post about the creative and performing arts. This post hits the mark…
Well done!
JL
PS when and where will Preston be performing songs from “The Great American Playbook?’
Glad to hear you enjoyed the post, James – perhaps you’ve seen our visit to Bentleys Antiques or even Michael German Antiques in London?
Hello Jack,
I enjoyed those posts as well.
Is Preston still doing live performances?
Best,
JL
Glad to hear you enjoyed them, thank you, James. I believe Preston performs on occasion at a jazz club in Minnesota.
I wish restaurants in Texas would put hat racks under their chairs like that! We commonly set our hats under the chair with the crown on the floor, and have to dust them off when it’s time to leave.