Out after 200 years

Viennese institution: music store faces loss of location

Musikhaus Doblinger in Vienna's Dorotheergasse could lose its location.(Bild: Imre Antal)

Since 1817, the Viennese music scene, especially classical music lovers, have made a pilgrimage to Musikhaus Doblinger. But now the institution is facing the loss of its historic location in Dorotheergasse in the first district through no fault of its own.

Anyone who makes music in and around Vienna will sooner or later come into contact with Musikhaus Doblinger. The store is an institution in Vienna: ensemble members of the largest orchestras, choirs and other cultural institutions buy their sheet music there, as do music students. The repertoire also includes pop and jazz sheet music, literature and much more.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the business suffered losses like many in the cultural scene. This was followed by a change of ownership and the music store in Dorotheergasse was sold. The publishing business remained in the hands of Peter Pany, the heir to the Doblinger dynasty, until January 2025. The publishing business was then sold to the London-based Wise Music Group. 

A fixture of the Viennese music scene
For the Viennese music scene, however, the store in Dorotheergasse has always been a fixed point of contact. Musikhaus Doblinger has been at this location since 1876, and tourists are also regular visitors to this traditional Viennese music store. But now another traditional business could disappear from the scene with the music store.

A tenancy dispute is raging behind the historic façade.(Bild: Imre Antal)

The background: the owner of the building, a Viennese private foundation associated with a financial services company, does not intend to extend the lease, as the "Krone" learned from Doblinger circles. Despite agreements to the contrary, the lease was terminated and the music house is to be vacated by the end of the year. The case is already in the courts, as the operators of the store are now fighting back.

Relocation currently almost impossible
The music store currently has a stock of 430,000 items, and a move would cost around 300,000 euros, which is well beyond the company's means. Nevertheless, the company is currently desperately trying to find a new location and supporters for the new start. Even in the event of a positive legal outcome, there are fears of further reprisals at the existing location.

If the relocation is unsuccessful, Musikhaus Doblinger - which has now been clearly in the black for four years since the takeover - faces the end through no fault of its own. And the ten employees will lose their jobs - in an economically healthy company.