Kunsthaus Graz
Contemporary in the city
At the centre of Graz, Kunsthaus Graz sets a deliberate marker. Its biomorphic structure hovers like a blue organism among the red-tiled roofs of the old town — a confident contrast within the historic surroundings.
Kunsthaus Graz - at a glance
- Kunsthaus Graz is a museum for contemporary art and a striking architectural landmark in the city centre of Graz
- Opened in 2003, it focuses on international contemporary art from the past decades
- Iconic building (“Friendly Alien”) creating a deliberate contrast to the historic old town
- BIX facade with 1,066 light elements functioning as a media surface in the urban space
- Flexible exhibition spaces enabling changing installations and new perspectives
- Location on the Mur river opposite the old town creating a dialogue between tradition and contemporary architecture
Structure and concept
Friendly Alien
Designed by the British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, Kunsthaus Graz connects historic fabric with a visionary architectural language.
A total of 1,066 acrylic glass panels form the building’s outer skin. The so-called BIX façade functions as a media surface, transmitting light signals across the Mur after dark. The north-facing nozzles draw daylight into the exhibition spaces.
A glazed bridge — the “Needle” — opens the view back towards the city.
Here, new perspectives emerge.
Interior spaces and programme
Contemporary art
Kunsthaus Graz presents international positions in contemporary art, with a focus on the past four decades. Its open spatial structures allow for changing installations and evolving perspectives.
The historic Eisernes Haus, integrated into the ensemble, houses the shop, administration and Camera Austria — an institution dedicated to contemporary photography.
Location and urban setting
Architecture in dialogue
Kunsthaus Graz is situated on the right bank of the Mur, opposite the historic old town. The building deliberately positions itself in proximity to the surrounding structures, while maintaining its distinct identity.
One of the light nozzles is oriented towards the Clock Tower on the Schlossberg — an architectural dialogue between tradition and the present.
Planning your visit
Opening hours and information
Kunsthaus Graz is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays, from 10 am to 6 pm. Current information on opening hours and admission prices is available on the website of the Universalmuseum Joanneum.
