A Tour of Graz's Architectural Landmarks
In 2003, Graz was named European Capital of Culture, pushing this modest Austrian city into the limelight in terms of art, design and architecture. From an alien-like structure posing as a modern-art gallery to curiously designed chapels and baroque palaces, here are some of Graz’s best and most eye-catching buildings.
1. Island in the Mer
Designed by American artist Vito Acconci during celebrations of the city being named European Capital of Culture in 2003, this peculiar landmark, known by locals as the Murinsel (‘Mur island’), is not in fact an island, but a floating platform in the centre of the river. Measuring 50 metres by 20 metres (164 feet by 66 feet), this seashell-shaped structure is connected to land by a footbridge on either side of the river, taking guests to the amphitheatre in the middle and a cafe and playground beneath the domed area.
Island in the Mur, Lendkai 19, 8020 Graz
2. Light Sword
Opera House
3. Schloss Eggenberg
Building, Museum
5. Landhaushof
Built during the 1500s, this is one of Graz’s only renaissance structures and an important piece of architecture from the era. Designed and built by numerous architects, the house contains swooping, ornate arches and a three-storey arcade courtyard. Today, it is mainly used as a function venue for celebratory events.
Landhofhaus, Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz
A fine example of Renaissance architecture | © thisisbossi / Flickr
6. Ragnitzstrasse 36 Apartment Block
Building
Chapel of Rest
The beautifully smooth, sweeping curved facade of this stand-out architectural gem is easy on the eyes. Unlike the average place of worship in almost every way, this innovative structure, used primarily as a funeral chapel, was designed by Austrian architects Hofrichter-Ritter.
7. Kunsthaus
This striking, bulbous construction, sticking out like a sore thumb on the banks of the River Mur, wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi movie: it has even been nicknamed by locals as ‘the friendly alien’. One of Graz’s best modern-art galleries, the Kunsthaus is not just an exceedingly curious piece of architecture but also an innovative exhibition space, housing works from 1960 onwards. Built as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2003, the structure has received mixed reactions from the public.
Kunsthaus, Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
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