1972
Schönberg’s home in Mödling remains unnoticed for many years, and is in danger of being torn down at the beginning of the seventies. Thanks to the initiative of Walter Szmolyan and Elisabeth Lafite, virtually in the last minute the building is purchased by the International Schönberg Society and preserved as an historical monument. Subventions by Lower Austria, the Cities of Mödling and Vienna, as well as the Federal Ministry of Education and Art make possible the purchase and general restoration of the property which subsequently becomes the quarters for the office of the ISG and a site for research.
1974
On 6 June 1974, with Nuria, Ronald and Lawrence Schoenberg present, opening ceremonies are conducted by Minister of Education and later Federal Chancellor Fred Sinowatz. Maurizio Pollini plays Arnold Schönberg’s Piano Pieces, op. 19 and op. 23 on the Ibach piano of the composer.
In addition to exhibiting Schönberg’s instruments, a gift from the heirs, the structure also provides a research library with duplicate microfilms of the archives housed in Los Angeles. As a result of its function both as a museum and as a scholarly institution, it becomes an important venue for Schönberg research in Austria. Concerts featuring works of the Viennese School, among them regularly scheduled Schönberg-Serenades, as well as the resumption of instruction in the spirit of Schönberg’s teaching methods comprise the activities of the International Schönberg Society.
1974 - 1977
A series of annual courses on interpretation is held in Mödling under the direction of Schönberg’s pupil Rudolf Kolisch (until his death in 1978). His presence provides especial authenticity to the program, and his collaboration with the director of the complete edition of Schönberg’s works,Rudolf Stephan, results in attracting a constant stream of young, international music scholars.
1979
The International Schönberg Society takes the Mödling visit by Schönberg's pupil and son-in-law Felix Greissle as an occasion to organize a Schönberg Week at Bernhardgasse 6 in July.
1980
Richard Hoffmann, pupil and Schönberg’s assistant in America, provides instruction to classes in the Schönberg House – since 1987 in cooperation with Oberlin College.
1982
At the occasion of its 10-year anniversary, the ISG celebrates the “Mödling Schönberg-days” from 8 to 10 October.
1983 - 90
In the summer months 1983 - 1990, at the invitation of the municipality of Vienna, Ernst Krenek, who has made Arnold Schönberg’s acquaintance in Mödling in 1922, and who has remained in contact with him until his death, moves into the second story apartment of Bernhardgasse 6 with his wife Gladys, where he composes his later works.
1997
In March, 1997, as one of its founders, the International Schönberg Society deeds the house to the newly founded Arnold Schönberg Center Private Foundation. The Schönberg-apartment is to become a living monument for intellectual activity, and several bachelor apartments will be provided to international scholars and students for research projects.
1999
Funds for the total restoration of the Schönberg House are provided by the Schönberg Foundation, the City of Mödling, Lower Austria, the Federal Ministry for Education and Art, Shopping City Süd as well as other donors and sponsors.
2001
Restoration of the garden in Mödling.
2003
Presentation of the Schönberg Wine.
2008
In memory of the preserver of the Schönberg House Mödling, Prof. Elisabeth Lafite (1918 – 2007), the "Lafite Hall" is established.
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