In 2003 when Graz was chosen as the European Capital of Culture, the city inaugurated a very unusual art museum on the right bank of the Mur river: the Kunsthaus Graz. Although a sharp contrast to the surrounding historic monuments, the ultra-modern building has become a beloved addition to the traditional skyline of red roofs. The museum exhibits are fully dedicated to contemporary art.
The museum unites many art forms under one roof: from architecture and design to photography and new media. The museum doesn’t boast its own collection or any permanent exhibits, so each visit can be a whole new experience. Only one thing never changes: the intriguing building itself. The unusual exterior, with its eccentric curves and protrusions, stands out among the surrounding architecture. Locals often refer to the building as ‘the friendly alien’.