The largest castle in the Steiermark, incorporated into the Johanneum museum in 1947, shelters a whole new world to discover. Erected in 1625 as a representative building by Duke Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, it still manages to preserve its old charm. The rooms are the objects of fantasy-filled design with stunning ceiling paintings. The building boasts a famous hunting museum as well as a former baroque garden, home to free running deer and peacocks. The passion of the former master adds interesting detail. His love of numbers is reflected in the construction of the castle, with four corner towers to symbolize the four winds and 365 windows to symbolize the days in the year.
Designed by the architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, the Kunsthaus Graz is a museum that keeps up with the international standards. Shaped like an alien aircraft, it is a must-see site and lovingly named the "friendly alien" by locals. The museum showcases exhibits by renowned artists. You will get to see collections of photography, fine art, interactive art and much more. Kunsthaus Graz is also used as an event space for several events. If you are exploring the city, ensure that you visit the museum to get insight into some fascinating artworks.
The fringe theater scene in Graz is booming. One of the most original youth groups with their own theater is the TIB; Theater im Bahnhof (theatre in the train station). As far as controversial and radical ideas are concerned, they are the leading pack. Their "Sport am Monntag" is especially worthwhile; it's an evening of improvisational theatre culminating in crazy theatre performance competitions. "Ordinary" pieces, produced in an eventful manner, are a firm component of the program as are special events in other venues and video-competitions. Performances by the members of the company are equally good.
The Tanz & Theater Zentrum is a popular venue for the culturally inclined in Graz. Plays, concerts, corporate events, fashion shows, panel discussions and dance performances are just some of the events that are conducted here on a regular basis. The theater has a total seating capacity of 150 people and standing room for 300 making this a great venue to host private events and celebrations as well. Facilities and amenities like variable stage dimensions, artist rooms and equipment rental of lighting and sound systems ensures that every event is a success. Workshops on theater, dance, mind and body are also conducted on-site.
The Kasematten is an open-air stage on the plateau of the Schlossberg, set among the scattered ruins of the fort built in 1809. Originally, Kasematten were storage cellars, also used as prisons. The stone arches of the old fortification give the stage an exotic touch, making it a venue like no other. With a sliding roof, the venue can be converted into a beautiful open air space like an amphitheater or a closed auditorium. One of the most popular event venues in the region, Kasematten hosts a number of music concerts, galas and festivals.
Gruabn can trace its origins back to the year 1919 when it became a sporting venue for the people of Graz. Today this multi-purpose facility is replete with facilities such as floodlights, a V.I.P club, covered stands and restrooms. Revitalization projects over the years have come in handy.
Gallery Lendnine is located at Lendkai in the Austrian city of Graz. The main purpose of the gallery is to provide an exhibition space, visibility and employment opportunity for young and upcoming artists, both local and international. Some of the artists that have presented their work in the space include Carine Bouvard, Pim Smit, Monique van Steen and Michael Maier. The gallery is open through the week from noon to 7p and remains closed on Sundays.
Museum im Palais is located inside the aristocratic Palais Herberstein and it is managed by the Universalmuseum Joanneum. This museum gives its visitors a peek into the august life of the bourgeois who lived in Styria during the middle ages. The place exhibits 35,000 timeless articles like handicrafts, textiles and other objects made of materials like ivory, glass and wrought iron which were quite exquisite in the middle ages. The Ducal hat of Styria also happens to be a part of the permanent exhibit at the Museum im Palais followed by the quintessential Tracht. Take a detailed look at Emperor Frederick III's carriage that has been carefully preserved here, this ornate vehicle is enough a testimony to the opulent way of life of the bourgeois.