Kunsthaus (Art House), Graz (must see)

An alien biomorphic vessel from outer space has attached itself to the facade and cast iron structures of the old Iron House department store. It is the Art House. Its glistening blue bubble belly shimmers above the ground floor. It fuses softly with the other buildings. It is friendly and welcoming. Visitors enter it from all sides.

THE BIX-media facade (the outer skin) interacts with the surrounding neighborhood. The Art House is described as a multi-disciplinary venue for exhibitions, projects and the performing arts. It provides a spatial palette of experiences.

Visitors penetrate the bubble riding on the "travelator", a 296 foot moving walkway. It slides through the area for children and arrives at the first exhibition level. Another travelator takes riders to the upper level exhibition deck. The shell of the deck is 31 feet high.

The cones and nozzles of the biomorphic skin provide adjustable daylight within and views of the embracing cityscape. Visitors may exit the great bubble and enter the needle. The needle is a cantilevered glass observatory offering incomparable views of Graz. It has comfy seats for readings, plays, events and private meetings.

The Art House doesn't have art collections or exhibits of its own. It is part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum. It does, on a regular basis, offer art from the museum.