Traditionally progressive: In the mid-19th century, Josef Benedikt Withalm built an emblematic iron-framed building across the Mur from Old Graz. Known then and now as the Eisernes Haus (Iron House), it was not only a pioneer of new construction technology in Styria but also a winning combination of a modern department store and high-quality catering venue. Not surprisingly, given its location–at the corner of today’s SŸdtirolerplatz and Lendkai–it soon became a favourite urban rendezvous. That is how, in late ‘Biedermeier’ Graz, the city’s not very glamorous Right Bank suddenly acquired a multifunctional attraction.

‘Up into the unknown!’ was a comment written on one of the first rough sketches by architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier for the new Kunsthaus Graz. Designed in the late 1990s, the structure was to be not just an exhibition centre. Judiciously sited, it was intended to be a landmark for the whole city, an engine of change and generator of new vitality for what had been a rather neglected part of town. The new Kunsthaus Graz fused with the historic Eisernes Haus to create something radically different that is now more than just a building. It is an artistically diverse entity of great character.

The Friendly Alien (as the Kunsthaus Graz is affectionately called by Cook and Fournier), livens up Graz’s ancient town centre no end, and not only with its unusual appearance. Its programme of exhibitions has been adding spice to the cultural life of the Styrian capital since 2003.

These exhibitions focus on national and international art from the 1960s to the present–some involve major art names (such as, John Baldessari, Maria Lassnig, Sol LeWitt, or Andy Warhol) while others take a look at socio-political topics of the day. The whole bandwidth of contemporary art is there to enjoy–from painting via design and video to network art. And as a delightful extra, there’s the glazed belvedere–the Needle, offering a fantastic view of the river and the celebrated roofscape of Old Graz.

In accordance with guiding principles laid down in 2003, the programme has evolved as a productive interaction between the local arts scene and international developments. The primary activity of the Kunsthaus Graz is to present temporary exhibitions that aim to support artistic experimentation, encourage debate, explore current phenomena and offer the public a critical look at today’s world. The Kunsthaus selects major themes that are intended to provide a framework for a coherent programme of exhibitions and events. Various other important cultural bodies have found a home either at the Kunsthaus itself or in its immediate environment (Camera Austria, HDA, Graz’s Kunstverein), and their presence makes a substantial contribution to the Kunsthaus’s role as a meeting place of lively minds.

The future of the Kunsthaus programme aims to strengthen its collaborative activities in with the nearby institutions of HDA and Camera Austria, to produce thematic co-operations. Partnerships already exist with key local festivals (Styrian Autumn Festival, Diagonale and spring), with other Joanneum institutions that can also contribute content and, beyond the TRIGON area, with art institutions throughout Europe. To this end, collaborative schemes and partnerships are being consolidated, particularly in respect of the quality of the programme, to enhance the profile of the place as an international venue of art production and drive down exhibition costs long-term.

The local history of contemporary art in recent years–like the influential Styrian architectural scene–makes an important contribution to the programmatic debate at Kunsthaus Graz. In terms of subject matter, the orientation of the institution drafts the future of artistic movements from the art of the last 50 years. These scenarios are interdisciplinary, and based on the universality of the Joanneum as a universal museum. They are socially aware, with an eye on a changing world. They are innovative, alive to a location that carries the flag for knowledge and technological development. Above all, they are aimed at establishing European and international links for Graz beyond regional frontiers, as has been part of local cultural policy since the TRIGON three-country exhibitions were set up in 1963. In the last seven years, the Kunsthaus Graz has successfully established itself internationally as a leading exhibition venue for contemporary art. This is the orientation we wish to strengthen and develop.

Kunsthaus Graz presents approximately 6 exhibitions each year.

Most outstanding projects in recent years:

Warhol Wool Newman, Painting Real / Warhol Conner Lockhart, Screening Real; John Baldessari, Life’s Balance; Tatiana Trouve, Il grande Ritratto; Franz West, Auto-Theater; Gods in Exile, Salvador Dal’, Albert Oehlen a.o.; Maria Lassnig/Liz Larner, Two or Three or Something; Inventory, Works of the Herbert Collection; China Welcomes You!

The diversity and openness of the institutions is ensured by various information and interpretation follow-up programmes for the art-going public. The Visitor Services team at the Kunsthaus Graz provide an extensive range of classic guided tours, dialogue circuits, varying in accordance with the current exhibition or ongoing for the unusual architecture of the building. Everyone is welcome to take advantage of one of the many services on offer and explore contemporary art and architecture with us. Special high-tech guided tours through the below-ground Kunsthaus Graz are available for groups, also barrier-free tours for the mobility-impaired. The audio guide provides further information about the architecture and the exhibitions. We also offer a special audio guide for children.

Kunsthaus Graz presents action oriented workshops and numerous special packages that operate in conjunction with the exhibition program, for individuals and groups of children.

Total surface area, 11,100 m2. Exhibition area 2,500 m2 (incl. 250 m2 event space, 280 m2 Camera Austria exhibition space), gross floor area 13,100 m2 (incl. underground car park).