a+t architecture publishers

Officially opened on March 1st 2009, MUMUTH, Haus für Musik und Musiktheater, is the University of Graz building for Music and the Performing Arts.

Here UNStudio wanted to give a twist to the classic relationship between music and architecture. The twist lies in the spiral staircase which twirls around the centre of the entrance hall. This music theatre has been ten years in the making.

The spiral staircase has an important precedent in Graz. In 1499 Emperor Maximilian I built one of the most important Gothic staircases in Europe, in the historic centre of Graz. It is formed by a double spiral which separates and joins up in each landing. It has become a symbol of eternity. The people of Graz know it as the staircase of reconciliation.

Photos taken by a+t, available under request.

UNStudio
MUMUTH
Lichtenfelsgasse, 14
Graz 2008

Lichtenfels Street showing the volume of the Music Theatre enclosed in a stainless steel mesh

Main entrance for the public and students

Relationship between the new volume and the university buildings

Emergency side staircase from the upper storey on the west facade

Start of the way up to the main hall via the curving main staircase

Principal image: Second spiral flight of the main staircase with mirrored exterior and bright red interior. Secondary image: Double helix staircase in the old castle in the centre of Graz

Interior of the spiral staircase leading up to the second floor

Foyer of the main hall on the first floor

Decoration with printed striped patterns on the glass behind the steel mesh enclosing the building

Space between the mesh and the carpentry enclosing the building. This contains access for maintenance and window-cleaning and lighting with units of three basic colours to form the full range of colours

Interwoven stainless steel mesh which fully covers the exterior of the building