Graz, Austria - June 18, 2016: Kunsthaus Graz, an exhibition centre for contemporary art. The Kunsthaus with its futuristic design is also called the Friendly Alien by its architects Peter Cook and; Shutterstock ID 439401436; Your name (First / Last): Daniel Fahey; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Nice and Graz POIs

Shutterstock / Frank Gaertner

Kunsthaus Graz

Top choice in Graz


Designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, this world-class contemporary-art space is known as the 'friendly alien' by locals. The building is signature Cook, a photovoltaic-skinned sexy biomorphic blob that is at once completely at odds with its pristine historic surroundings but sits rather lyrically within it as well. Exhibitions, which usually change every three to four months, focus on contemporary arts and themes, often on issues relating to current political, social and cultural life.

Tours (€2.50; in English 2pm Sunday, in German 3.30pm Saturday and 11am Sunday) cover not only the exhibitions but also the building. Useful multilingual audio guides cost €2.50.

Transportation

  • tram: 1, 3, 6, 7 Südtiroler Platz

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Graz attractions

1. Franziskaner Kirche

0.09 MILES

This church and monastery was founded by the Franciscan order in 1239. Its 14th-century chancel was rebuilt in a contemporary style after being gutted by…

2. Mariahilfkirche

0.12 MILES

This parish church with a handsome baroque facade and Renaissance nave was a popular pilgrimage site for many centuries.

3. Murinsel

0.13 MILES

Murinsel is a constructed island-cum-bridge of metal and plastic in the middle of the Mur. This modern floating landmark contains a cafe, a kids'…

4. Grazmuseum

0.14 MILES

This small museum has a permanent collection featuring objects from city history, complemented by changing exhibitions. Check the website for what's…

5. Museum für Geschichte

0.14 MILES

The Museum of History is housed inside the baroque Palais Herberstein, which has an elegant staircase dating from 1757 and stately rooms. Exhibits in the…

6. Uhrturm

0.23 MILES

This clock tower perched on the southern edge of Schlossberg is the city's emblem. Its present form dates back to the 1560s, and it is so beloved that the…

7. Neue Galerie Graz

0.25 MILES

The Neue Galerie is the crowning glory of the three museums inside the Joanneumsviertel complex. The collection of works on level 0 is the highlight,…

8. Naturkundemuseum

0.25 MILES

Located inside the Joanneumsviertel complex of museums, the Museum of Natural History has an excellent section on geology, with an interesting collection…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "austria/the-south/graz/attractions/kunsthaus-graz/a/poi-sig/464714/358638",
      "destination": "Graz",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Austria",
      "city": "Graz",
      "position": "superzone"
    }