In 1901, Klimt painted the Beethoven Frieze for the 14th Vienna Secessionist exhibition in celebration of the composer, and featured a monumental polychrome sculpture by Max Klinger. Meant for the exhibition only, the frieze was painted directly on the walls with light materials. After the exhibition the painting was preserved, although it did not go on display again until 1986.[1] The Beethoven Frieze is on permanent display in the Vienna Secession Building in a specially built, climate-controlled basement room.[2]
The frieze is large, standing at 7 feet high with a width of 112 feet. The entire work weighs four tons.[3]