So much more than a groundbreaking architect, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky was a female pioneer in a male-dominated domain, an ambassador for humane architecture, a woman of great social commitment and a courageous resistance fighter against the Nazis. The third gold coin in the Austria’s Unsung Heroines series pays homage to her extraordinary life's work and unwavering strength of character.
Born in Vienna in 1897, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky led a long and eventful life until she died 102 years later in the same neighbourhood in which she was born. She made history as one of the first women to study architecture in Austria. Her most famous innovation, the Frankfurt kitchen, is regarded as the prototype of the modern fitted kitchen. Designed in 1926, the kitchen was a functional design based on labour-saving criteria that revolutionised housework. Installed in some 10,000 flats, the Frankfurt kitchen remains a prime example of well-thought-out architecture to this day.
In addition, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky was the only woman to be involved in the design of the pioneering Wiener Werkbundsiedlung council estate, she was a campaigner for decent housing and showed unparalleled courage in resisting the Nazi regime, which she almost paid for with her life. A student of outspoken architect Adolf Loos, after the Second World War she organised exhibitions, took part in international architecture congresses, promoted social architecture and was also involved in both the peace and women's movements. Her commitment was recognised in the form of numerous awards.
This gold coin captures the essence of Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky's life and work. The obverse features a portrait of the architect in front of a stylised floor plan. In the style of a collage, the coin’s reverse is split between an image of the Frankfurt kitchen, which was just 1.9 metres in width, and a portrait of the aspiring young architect in which Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky confidently exudes the strength that she maintained well until old age. As put by contemporary Viennese architect Christine Zwingl: “Her courage, her joie de vivre, her warmth of heart and her humour influenced many.”
A gift with special with meaning, the coin is a symbol of courage, innovation and social responsibility that commemorates an Austrian woman who inspired future generations.
| Product No. | 27428 |
| Date of Issue | 22 January 2025 |
| Quality | Proof |
| Series | Austria's Unsung Heroines |
| Face Value | 50 Euro |
| Diameter | 22.00 mm |
| Coin Design | Mag. Helmut Andexlinger, Kathrin Kuntner |
| Alloy | Gold Au 986 |
| Fine Weight | 7.78 g / 0.25 oz |
| Total Weight | 7.89 g |
| Packaging | Comes in a case complete with a numbered certificate of authenticity and protective slipcase |
| Mintage (Proof) | 20,000 |
