Restoring the library’s facade on Josefsplatz

Working with local specialists

Before work began in 2010, the construction of the windows as well as the plaster, stucco and the stone surface were examined and a restoration concept put together with particular emphasis on local specialists working together.

The Marmorino plaster added during restorations in 1955 only needed replacing in the parapet area. The surface was shaped according to historical methods using special trowels.

All stone surfaces, which mainly showed the original Baroque workmanship were carefully cleaned, their cracks sealed and primed with lime. Larger, broken-off pieces were replaced with stone grafts in a similar material.

The stucco surfaces were cleaned carefully with steam jets and gypsum build-up was removed by a clay solution with acetic acid. After the cracks were sealed with lime mortar, the surfaces were treated against weathering with thin layer of pigmented lime wash and silicon resin paint.