Modern architecture in the venerable Mozarteum
Culture
The new connecting wing between the Mozarteum Foundation and its concert hall in Salzburg’s Schwarzstrasse seems to be developing into a jewel. After many hurdles and difficulties, the construction project with modern architecture is now in the final phase. Will open in October.
Almost exactly four years ago, the plans for the new central wing of the Mozarteum Foundation were presented. At that time, skeptical faces could be seen in the city senate. The FPÖ was against it right away, and the international monument protection council ICOMOS even saw Salzburg’s world heritage site in danger.
Quality of the whole ensemble improved
The project was simply intended to improve a situation that had been seen as an eyesore for many years – between the two buildings of the Mozarteum Foundation on Schwarzstraße. The gray and gloomy inner courtyard was then demolished a year and a half ago.
The new building project was still stirring up a lot of dust at the time, as Rainer Heneis, Managing Director of the Mozarteum Foundation, describes: “After so much time, you can see that the effort is worth it. We’ve been building for two years now. It was a very exciting time. Many parties involved had to be coordinated, including the Federal Monuments Office and the experts. We managed that well. In addition, we have postponed the opening by three months & because of the crisis in the construction market.
Air and light instead of a dusty ambience
Now everything is ready. The new central section proves that even heavy materials can appear light. The steel and glass construction opens up the entire ensemble. It brings air and light and a touch of the 21st century into the slightly outdated Mozarteum, says architect Hermann Schnöll: “Of course we want the project to better connect the two buildings and create more exchange. Previously with the old connecting building everything was very isolated.”
Heavy steel girders as a technical challenge
The construction was technically not that easy. Technical project manager Andreas Mozelt emphasizes that the gap between the existing buildings is extremely small: “It was a challenge. We used very heavy cranes. The entire steel construction is only supported on the walls on the left and right. It has no foundation, but rests on the existing structure. The beams weigh about a hundred tons.”
The final touches still need to be made. For example, fixtures, buffets and furniture are still missing. The new building is to be officially opened with a big gala on October 19, 2022.