My Vienna: space invaders in the capital
Above: WN_31 at the corner of Ballgasse and Rauhensteingasse, 9 July 2024 (P15).
Don’t worry: it’s not 1529, nor is it 1683, and there are no bands of marauders on horseback arriving for a large and lengthy siege. This also does not include anything from outside the Solar System. Instead, this is about a human artist and their little creations sprinkled throughout the Austrian capital city. In fact, I’d claim their “invasion” has already succeeded.
When a wae lad was I, the video game Space Invaders was a kind of dawn, an opening to a brand new world. The lasting effects snuck into many aspects of life, including the time I dedicated to the learning, pursuit, and practice of science. In time, a video game about a battle to ward off waves of little aliens required the purchase of a large bulky black console, accompanied by a large bulky black joystick with a big red button. In the decades since, the technological leap into the first-quarter of the 21st-century means that Space Invaders is available as an online web-application, easily called upon anytime on demand.
In Vienna, the sight of little aliens prompted immediate personal curiosity, and I spent parts of three consecutive summers wandering the streets to find as many possible little “visitors”.
Invasion of Vienna
French artist Invader installed 56 tiled-mosaic works of little colourful aliens throughout Vienna between 2006 and 2008; each “alien” has its own “WN” identifier on the artist’s map. The following is my visual examination of 43 (44) Invader aliens; 13 (12) pieces have been removed or stolen. Christian Öser also provided extensive coverage on his German-language blog, and Invader Spotter has also been a valuable resource.
Each item in the list includes a trailing number in parentheses representing the city’s district; e.g., (7.) is the 7th district, known also as Neubau.
- WN_02 (6.)
- WN_03 (7.)
- WN_05 (6.)
- WN_06 (4.)
- WN_07 (4.)
- WN_08 (1.)
- WN_09 (1.)
- WN_10 (1.)
- WN_12 (1.)
- WN_15 (7.)
- WN_16 (7.)
- WN_17 (9.)
- WN_18 (9.)
- WN_19 (9.)
- WN_20 (9.)
- WN_21 (9.)
- WN_22 (1.)
- WN_23 (1.)
- WN_24 (1.)
- WN_25 (1.)
- WN_26 (1.)
- WN_27 (2.)
- WN_28 (2.)
- WN_30 (1.)
- WN_31 (1.), I 👾 Wien
- WN_32 (1.)
- WN_33 (6.)
- WN_34 (7.)
- WN_36 (8.)
- WN_37 (7.)
- WN_38 (3.)
- WN_39 (3.)
- WN_40 (3.)
- WN_41 (3.)
- WN_44 (1.)
- WN_45 (1.)
- WN_46 (4.)
- WN_47 (6.)
- WN_48 (7.)
- WN_49, Street Art Passage (7.)
- WN_50 (7.)
- WN_51 (2.)
- WN_55 (7.)
- WN_56 (7.)
WN_02
Corneliusgasse & Gumpendorfer Strasse (6.)
WN_2 at Corneliusgasse & Gumpendorfer Strasse in the 6th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_2 at Corneliusgasse & Gumpendorfer Strasse in the 6th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_03
Westbahnstrasse & Neubaugasse (7.)
WN_03 at Westbahnstrasse & Neubaugasse in the 7th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_03 at Westbahnstrasse & Neubaugasse in the 7th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_05
Linke Wienzeile & Girardigasse (Cafe Drechsler, 6.)
WN_05 at Linke Wienzeile & Girardigasse in the 6th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_05 at Linke Wienzeile & Girardigasse in the 6th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_06
Margaretenstrasse & Freundgasse (4.)
WN_06 at Margaretenstrasse and Freundgasse in the 4th district. Photo, 1 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_06 at Margaretenstrasse and Freundgasse in the 4th district. Photo, 1 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_07
Kühnplatz & Schleifmühlgasse (4.)
WN_07 in the 4th district at Kühnplatz & Schleifmühlgasse, across from the Vollpension cafe. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_07 at Kühnplatz and Schleifmühlgasse in the 4th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_08
Spiegelgasse 12 (Alte Leopoldsapotheke, 1.)
WN_08 partly damaged, at Spiegelgasse 12 (Alte Leopoldsapotheke) in the 1st district. Photo, 18 May 2023 (X70).
WN_09
Kleeblattgasse 3 (1.)
WN_09 at Kleeblattgasse 3 in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70).
WN_09 at Kleeblattgasse 3 in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70).
WN_10
Salvatorgasse 12 (1.)
WN_10 at Salvatorgasse 12 in the 1st district. Photo, 18 May 2023 (X70).
WN_10 at Salvatorgasse 12 in the 1st district. Photo, 18 May 2023 (X70).
WN_12
Irisgasse & Naglergasse (1.)
WN_12 at Irisgasse and Naglergasse in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70).
WN_12 at Irisgasse and Naglergasse in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70).
WN_15
Neubauasse & Burggasse (7.)
WN_15 at Neubauasse and Burggasse in the 7th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_15 at Neubauasse and Burggasse in the 7th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_16
Siebensterngasse & Sigmundsgasse (next to 7Stern Bräu, 7.)
WN_16 at Siebensterngasse and Sigmundsgasse (next to 7Stern Bräu) in the 7th district. Photo, 16 May 2023 (X70).
WN_16 at Siebensterngasse and Sigmundsgasse (next to 7Stern Bräu) in the 7th district. Photo, 16 May 2023 (X70).
WN_17
Garnisongasse & Schwarzspanierstrasse (Café Telegraph, 9.)
WN_17 at Garnisongasse and Schwarzspanierstrasse (Café Telegraph) in the 9th district. Photo, 6 Jul 2024 (P15).
WN_17 at Garnisongasse and Schwarzspanierstrasse (Café Telegraph) in the 9th district. Photo, 6 Jul 2024 (P15).
WN_18
Berggasse 20 (9.)
WN_18 at Berggasse 20 (opposite the Sigmund Freud Museum) in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_18 at Berggasse 20 (opposite the Sigmund Freud Museum) in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_19
Grünentorgasse 18–20, next to Cuba Libre (9.)
The images below are from July 2024, but on my return to the area in July 2025, the piece has unfortunately missing.
WN_19 at Grünentorgasse 18–20, next to Cuba Libre in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_19 at Grünentorgasse 18–20, next to Cuba Libre in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_20
Türkenstrasse & Schlikplatz (Bernadis-Schmid-Kaserne, 9.)
WN_20 at Türkenstrasse and Schlikplatz in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_20 at Türkenstrasse and Schlikplatz in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_21
Berggasse & Liechtensteinstrasse (Cocore, 9.)
WN_21 at Berggasse and Liechtensteinstrasse (Cocore restaurant) in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_21 at Berggasse and Liechtensteinstrasse (Cocore restaurant) in the 9th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_22
Annagasse & Seilerstätte (1.)
WN_22 at the corner of Annagasse and Seilerstätte in the 1st district. Photo, 13 May 2023 (X70).
WN_22 at the corner of Annagasse and Seilerstätte in the 1st district. Photo, 13 May 2023 (X70).
WN_23
Windhaaggasse & Sonnenfelsgasse (back of KaffeeAltWien, 1.)
WN_23 at Windhaaggasse and Sonnenfelsgasse (back of KaffeeAltWien) in the 1st district. Photo, 22 May 2023 (X70).
WN_24
Morzinplatz 1, above stairs to Ruprechtskirche (1.)
WN_24 at Morzinplatz 1, above stairs to Ruprechtskirche. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_24 at Morzinplatz 1, above stairs to Ruprechtskirche. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_25
Werdertorgasse & Gonzagagasse (Café Aera, 1.)
WN_25 at Werdertorgasse and Gonzagagasse (Café Aera) in the 1st district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (P15).
WN_25 at Werdertorgasse and Gonzagagasse (Café Aera) in the 1st district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (P15).
WN_26
south bank of Donaukanal, next to Augartenbrücke stairs (1.)
WN_26, facing west at the Augartenbrücke over the Donaukanal in the 1st district; follow the arrow. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_26, facing northeast at the Augartenbrücke over the Donaukanal in the 1st district. Construction is for the U2 subway line and the new U5 subway line. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_26, at the Augartenbrücke next to the Donaukanal in the 1st district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_27
Grosse Mohrengasse & Schmelzgasse (2.)
WN_27 at the northwest corner of Grosse Mohrengasse and Schmelzgasse in the 2nd district. Photo, 27 May 2023 (X70).
WN_28
Weintraubengasse & Rotensterngasse (2.)
WN_28 at the corner of Weintraubengasse and Rotensterngasse in the 2nd district. Photo, 24 May 2023 (X70).
WN_28 at the corner of Weintraubengasse and Rotensterngasse in the 2nd district. Photo, 24 May 2023 (X70).
WN_30
Griechengasse 7 (1.)
Invader Spotter describes this piece as removed for April 2024; confirmed visually with Google Street View for July 2024. I returned to the area in July 2025, and confirmed the piece is missing.
WN_30 at Griechengasse 7 in the 1st district: photo, 18 May 2023 (X70).
WN_31, I 👾 WIEN
Ballgasse & Rauhensteingasse (1.)
WN_31 at the corner of Ballgasse and Rauhensteingasse in the 1st district. Photo, 23 May 2022 (X70).
WN_31 at the corner of Ballgasse and Rauhensteingasse in the 1st district. Photo, 23 May 2022 (X70).
WN_32
Stephansplatz (1.)
WN_32 at the southeast corner of Stephansplatz in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_32 at the southeast corner of Stephansplatz in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_33
Schadekgasse & Amerlingstrasse (Café Ritter, 6.)
WN_33 at Cafe Ritter on Schadekgasse in the 6th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_33 at Cafe Ritter on Schadekgasse in the 6th district. Photo, 6 Jun 2023 (X70).
WN_34
Burggasse & Lerchenfelder Gürtel (7.)
WN_34 at the northeast corner of Burggasse and Lerchenfelder Gürtel in the 7th district. Photo, 17 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_34 at the northeast corner of Burggasse and Lerchenfelder Gürtel in the 7th district. Photo, 17 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_36
U-Bahn Bogen 19 (Lerchenfelder Strasse & Lerchenfelder Gürtel, 8.)
WN_36 at U-Bahn Bogen 19 (Lerchenfelder Strasse and Lerchenfelder Gürtel) in the 8th district. Photo, 21 May 2023 (X70).
WN_36 at U-Bahn Bogen 19 (Lerchenfelder Strasse and Lerchenfelder Gürtel) in the 8th district. Photo, 21 May 2023 (X70).
WN_37
Burggasse & Wimbergergasse (Admiral Kino, 7.)
WN_37 at the corner of Burggasse and Wimbergergasse (Admiral Kino) in the 7th district. Photo, 17 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_37 at the corner of Burggasse and Wimbergergasse (Admiral Kino) in the 7th district. Photo, 17 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_38
Adamsgasse & Krieglergasse (3.)
WN_38 at the northwest corner of Adamsgasse and Krieglergasse the 3rd district. Photo, 29 May 2023 (X70).
WN_39
Untere Viaduktgasse & Weissgerberlände (3.)
WN_39 at Untere Viaduktgasse and Weissgerberlände in the 3rd district. Photo, 29 May 2023 (X70).
WN_40
Weissgerberlände 16 (3.)
WN_40 at Weissgerberlände 16, next to back entrance to Museum Hundertwasser in the 3rd district. Photo, 29 May 2023 (X70).
WN_41
Radetzkyplatz (3.)
WN_41, facing south at Radetzkyplatz in the 3rd district. Photo, 13 May 2023 (X70).
WN_41, facing south at Radetzkyplatz in the 3rd district. Photo, 13 May 2023 (X70).
WN_44
Wollzeile 3 (1.)
WN_44, next to Lumas at Wollzeile 3 in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70);
WN_44, next to Lumas at Wollzeile 3 in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70);
WN_45
Seitenstettengasse & Rabensteig (1.)
WN_45 at Seitenstettengasse and Rabensteig in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70).
WN_45 at Seitenstettengasse and Rabensteig in the 1st district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (X70).
WN_46
Rechte Wienzeile & Schleifmühlgasse (Amacord Alimentari, 4.)
WWN_46 at Rechte Wienzeile & Schleifmühlgasse in the 4th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_46 at Rechte Wienzeile & Schleifmühlgasse in the 4th district. Photo, 1 Jul 2024 (X70).
WN_47
Linke Wienzeile 42 (6.)
WN_47 at Linke Wienzeile 42 in the 6th district. Photo, 23 May 2023 (X70).
WN_48
MUMOK’s shallow moat in the MuseumsQuartier (7.)
WN_48 on the wall of the shallow moat for MUMOK (Museum moderner Kunst) in the MuseumsQuartier, 7th district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_48 on the wall of the shallow moat for MUMOK (Museum moderner Kunst) in the MuseumsQuartier, 7th district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_49, Street Art Passage
MuseumsQuartier (7.)
WN_49 next to “blue-tiled aliens” in the Street Art Passage (between Breite Gasse and mumok) in the 7th district. Photo, 16 May 2023 (X70).
WN_49 next to the Street Art Passage (between Breite Gasse and mumok) in the 7th district; this result is a big crop of the image above. Photo, 16 May 2023 (X70).
WN_50
MuseumsQuartier, Q21 Schauräume + Büros (7.)
WN_50 inside the “Q21 Schauräume + Büros”, MuseumsQuartier in the 7th district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_50 inside the “Q21 Schauräume + Büros”, MuseumsQuartier in the 7th district. Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_51
Praterstern & Ausstellungsstrasse (2.)
WN_51 at Praterstern and Ausstellungsstrasse in the 2nd district. Photo, 13 May 2023 (X70).
WN_51 at Praterstern and Ausstellungsstrasse in the 2nd district. Photo, 13 May 2023 (X70).
WN_55
Burggasse & Stiftgasse (7.)
WN_55: “W.H. Möbel”, at Burggasse and Stiftgasse in the 7th district. Photo, 17 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_55, at Burggasse and Stiftgasse in the 7th district. Photo, 17 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_56
Above the MQ Daily café in the MuseumsQuartier (7.)
WN_56 above the MQ Daily café in the MuseumsQuartier (7th district). Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
WN_56 above the MQ Daily café in the MuseumsQuartier (7th district). Photo, 30 Jun 2024 (P15).
Over three summers from 2022 to 2024, I made all images above with a Fujifilm X70 fixed-lens prime (X70) and an iPhone15 (P15); all images are lightly watermarked. I received neither support nor compensation from any external organization for the content described above. This post appears on Fotoeins Fotografie at fotoeins DOT com as https://wp.me/p1BIdT-rPm. Last update: 23 July 2025.
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