Seven centuries of history can be seen in the architecture of Grafenegg Castle. Extended in the 19th century, it has become Austria’s most important example of historicism and in Grafenegg it is possible to find stylistic traces from Gothic through Baroque and Biedermeier to elegant Neo-gothic. With its soaring tower, grandiose façades, stylish staircases, atmospheric arcades and attractive chapel, Grafenegg has become an emblem of Lower Austria.
With the Wolkenturm, Grafenegg’s centuries-old architectural landscape gained an open-air stage (in 2007) that blended perfectly into its natural surroundings. Nestling in a natural hollow, the building designed by architects Marie-Therese Harnoncourt and Ernst J. Fuchs (the next ENTERprise – architects) is a sculpture that rises up a good 15 metres to the height of the treetops and affords unexpected views from a range of standpoints. From the terraces, with seating for over 1,700 spectators, as well as from the surrounding hills that provide lawn seating for over 300 people, one’s eye is caught by the historical castle and the romantic ambience of Grafenegg. The open-air arena’s acoustic shell produces an excellent sound through the acoustic detailing of the Munich firm Müller-BBM.
Built in 2008, the Auditorium stands for the link between the traditional and the modern in Grafenegg. Located between the historic Riding School and the Schlosstaverne, a fluid connection to the historical buildings was created through wall openings and glass transition spaces. The historical structure therefore blends into the new building, creating a unity of both function and form. Since 2008, the technically and acoustically outstanding concert hall has served year- round as the main concert venue, as well as providing an alternative wet-weather venue for open-air concerts on the Wolkenturm stage. The Auditorium offers seating for an audience of over 1.370 on three levels.
The Grafenegg castle grounds offer historical, botanical and very modern impressions in a formidable ensemble. On three circular tours starting at the Wiener Tor and ending at the castle, 300 years of the grounds’ history, rare plants from all over the world, architectural masterpieces and new works of art reveal themselves along 40 ground plates.
The fairytale-like castle is surrounded by hundreds of trees from all over the world, including a couple of rarities. The network of paths, on which you can explore the various phases of the grounds’ development, leads to the newly erected open-air arena, the Wolkenturm. Walking about, you also come across modern works of art – replenished over time and always surprising – like the Buchsdom Tower by US American artist Mark Dion, a unique ensemble of nature and human creative power.
The grounds are open to the public all year round. On days with events taking place on the Wolkenturm, from 4 p.m. the complex is only accessible with a ticket to the concert.
