Space01 Exhibition Hall

Overview

Nestled within the historic urban fabric of Graz, Austria, the Kunsthaus Graz stands as a startling beacon of contemporary architecture and art. Affectionately dubbed the 'Friendly Alien' by its creators, this biomorphic marvel houses several exhibition spaces, with Space01 being its most prominent and highest-level gallery. Located directly beneath the Kunsthaus's distinctive dome-like 'Blue Bubble,' Space01 offers a truly unique environment for experiencing modern and contemporary art. It is not merely a white cube; instead, its fluid, organic forms, coupled with innovative features, invite a dialogue between the art and its architectural container. As visitors ascend to Space01 via a travelator, they embark on a journey that transcends traditional museum experiences, immersing them in a space designed to provoke and inspire.

History & Cultural Background

The Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the Grazer Kunsthaus or Graz Art Museum, emerged as a flagship project for Graz's tenure as the European Capital of Culture in 2003. Its creation marked a pivotal moment for the city, marrying a rich historical setting with a bold vision for the future of art and architecture. Designed by the visionary architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, the building is a prime example of 'blob architecture,' a style characterized by organic, curvilinear forms. The museum was conceived to stage international exhibitions of multidisciplinary contemporary art from the 1960s onwards, intentionally diverging from institutions that focus on collecting or permanent displays. This forward-thinking approach positioned the Kunsthaus not just as a gallery, but as a dynamic platform for artistic production and discourse. Intriguingly, the modern structure was built alongside and even integrated with the historic 'Eiserne Haus' (Iron House), a significant 19th-century building in its own right, showcasing a remarkable blend of old and new. The decision to place such a radical structure in a less privileged district also served to revitalize the area around Südtiroler Platz, connecting it more vibrantly with Graz's old town.

What Makes It Special

Space01 itself is a testament to the Kunsthaus's experimental ethos. Extending across an impressive 1,133 square meters and reaching a height of 8.50 meters at its peak, the hall's spatial experience is defined by its biomorphic architecture and clever use of light. A distinguishing feature of Space01 is its 16 'Nozzles,' which are sculptural protrusions on the exterior that regulate the ingress of natural daylight, allowing for dynamic control over the exhibition environment. One particular 'Schloßbergnozzle' offers a focused view of Graz's iconic clock tower, symbolically bringing a piece of the city's heritage into the contemporary art space. The museum's 'black box of hidden possibilities' philosophy means the interior is constantly re-imagined for each exhibition, challenging curators and artists to utilize the unique space creatively. The external BIX media façade, composed of 930 individually adjustable fluorescent lamps, can display images and animations, transforming the building's 'skin' into a giant urban screen and making it an active participant in the city's artistic landscape even from the outside.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Kunsthaus Graz has garnered many nicknames since its inception, including 'baby hippo,' 'sea slug,' 'porcupine,' and 'whale,' reflecting the varied interpretations of its unusual form. However, the most enduring moniker, the 'Friendly Alien,' coined by architect Colin Fournier, perfectly captures its essence: a hybrid, strange yet familiar object that has landed in Graz. This playful description hints at the building's intentional provocation against the traditional baroque rooftops of Graz, yet it has become a beloved landmark, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The museum doesn't have a traditional ascending floor numbering system; instead, its spaces are counted in descending order, starting from the 'Needle' at the top, down through Space01 and Space02, much like the internal layout of a spaceship. This unconventional numbering further reinforces the building's otherworldly and non-conformist character. The very act of visiting, with the travelator ascent into the 'unknown' as Peter Cook described it, is part of the artistic journey, preparing visitors for the innovative encounters awaiting them in Space01.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, a visit to Space01 within the Kunsthaus Graz is an exploration of sensory and intellectual engagement. The experience begins even before entering, as the building's iridescent blue surface, reflecting the city, shifts under different light conditions, creating an ever-changing spectacle. Once inside, the journey through the travelator into Space01 feels like an immersion into a futuristic realm, a transition from the bustling city into a curated world of contemporary thought and expression. The fluidity of the space, unburdened by pillars or rigid structures, allows for a profound connection with the art on display. The ability to glimpse the Graz Clock Tower through the 'Schloßbergnozzle' offers a delightful moment of re-orientation, a reminder of where you are while simultaneously being transported by the art. Space01 is a dynamic canvas, constantly transforming with each new exhibition, ensuring that every visit offers a fresh perspective and a new conversation between art, architecture, and the viewer. It challenges perceptions and broadens horizons, making it an unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of Austria.