Foyergebäude | © Stiftung Mozarteum Salzburg / Andrew Phelps
Modern architecture
Salzburg is renowned worldwide for its old town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with its Baroque churches, palaces, and magnificent squares. But alongside the historical side, there is also a modern side. Contemporary buildings, innovative construction projects, and free-spirited architecture have taken root in Salzburg, and if you look closely, you will discover new things in places where you would hardly expect them.
A cityscape full of contrasts
Even in the old town, modern elements can be found—in small extensions, buildings with modern facades, or complementary modern elements in traditional structures. Outside the city center, spaces are opening up for completely new architectural concepts without any historical framework.
Some striking examples of modern architecture
- The Museum der Moderne Salzburg on Mönchsberg hill impresses with its simple, cubic architecture made of glass and white marble, which radiates clear modernity in a historic setting.
- The modern architecture of the Mozarteum University on Mirabellplatz creates an exciting contrast to its baroque surroundings with its minimalist design and elegant choice of materials.
- The modern architecture of the Paracelsusbad combines transparency, lightness, and urban design to create a striking building on Mirabellgarten.
- Hangar-7 combines state-of-the-art engineering with visionary architecture. The wide, curved glass façade opens up the view to the outside and at the same time creates an atmospheric interior in which light, space, and technology merge.
- Europark is considered an architectural showcase for modern Shopping culture. Designed by Italian star architect Massimiliano Fuksas, the building impresses with its spacious, light-flooded design featuring striking glass and steel elements.
- The architecture of Salzburg Central Station combines historical substance with modern design. The listed old building has been carefully integrated and complemented by a contemporary extension featuring glass, steel, and clean lines.
Architecture Initiative
The Architecture Initiative in Salzburg sees itself as a platform for contemporary building culture and promotes architecture as an important part of cultural life. It brings together experts and interested members of the public through exhibitions, lectures, and discussions.
Guided tours and tour offers
To ensure that Salzburg's contemporary architecture does not remain undiscovered, certified Austria Guides offer special tours. This offer is complemented by special architecture tours organized by the Architecture Initiative. Tip: Architecture is also a recurring theme in many public tours of the city.
