The Imperial Palace at Innsbruck reckons among the most important historical buildings besides the Viennese
Imperial Palace and the Palace Schönbrunn. Its eventful history commenced about 1400. Under Emperor
Maximilian I. and by a splendid late-medieval building it reached its first climax. The redesign into a Renaissance
Palace followed under Emperor Ferdinand I. Under the reign of Maria Theresia the Imperial Palace got its baroque
appearance. After that, above all its interior decorations and furnishing changed.
The formation of interiors is much more subject to change than any opus of graphic art or the architecture of
facades. Variable requirements and a changing taste lead ever again to redecorations and refurnishing. The direct
need triggered by sojourns of member of the imperial family, ceremonial and representation prayed a fundamental
role. The successors of Maria Theresia created interiors that suited their necessities and tastes. The range of styles
stretches from Rococo to Empire and Biedermeier to historical style reception. As a particularity of the
Biedermeier style, the furniture of the Cabinetmaker Johann Geyr from Innsbruck established in 1838. Until today
preserved are remarkable parts of complete interior decorations of the Viennese court-sculptor August La Vigne,
that he created from 1858 onwards.
This publication elaborates the historical evolution of furnishing and interior decorations of the Imperial Palace at
Innsbruck and gives an overall portrayal of different development stages as well as of its today`s shape. Archival
records, architectural plans and drawings as well as historical and actual photographs illustrate it.