Discover innovative exhibitions of contemporary art and photography in Graz’s futuristic “Friendly Alien,” a biomorphic and architecturally astonishing museum.
In amongst the red terracotta-tiled roofs and traditional Austrian gables sits the ultramodern blob-like structure of Kunsthaus Graz. Kunsthaus Graz is the city’s premier contemporary art museum and was a key destination during Graz’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2003. See a range of international exhibitions featuring artworks from the 1960s to today in this fascinating architectural treasure.
Kunsthaus Graz follows the German concept of a “kunsthalle,” an art museum that does not hold its own permanent collection or exhibitions, but rather presents a program of contemporary art exhibitions. Visit Kunsthaus Graz to see work by local Austrian artists, touring international exhibitions and the latest pick from contemporary curators.
As you approach Kunsthaus Graz, notice its distinctive architecture. The smooth, rounded building is covered with lustrous dark blue acrylic panels that are fitted out with fluorescent lights. A computerized lighting system called the BIX façade allows the lights to be programmed into brightly lit designs and animations, which span the entire building.
Enter Kunsthaus Graz via the travelator, a slanted belt footpath that brings you into the belly of the “Friendly Alien,” as its creators have nicknamed it. Find two floors of engaging exhibitions and innovative artworks. Explore the museum’s upper level to find the Needle, a viewing platform that stretches over the heritage Eisernes Haus next door. The museum’s gift shop is also located in Eisernes Haus, as well as the Kunsthaus Administration and Camera Austria, an institution dedicated to the country’s contemporary photographers.
Kunsthaus Graz is located on the River Mur in the city’s historic center, close to Südtiroler Platz. Kunsthaus Graz is closed on Mondays, February 21, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Purchase a 24 or 48-hour Universalmuseum Joanneum combination ticket to access the network of Joanneum museums and exhibitions across the city. For a small fee, you can rent an audio guide or join a guided tour, which are available in English and German.
