THE PLACE TO EXPLORE

WALK OF MODERN ART

If you want to experience modern art in Salzburg, you don’t necessarily have to go to a museum. As a unique project in Europe, the “Walk of Modern Art” was created as a cooperation between the Salzburg Foundation and the Stiftung für Kunst und Kultur e.V. Bonn. The works of art were erected between 2002 and 2010 and later expanded.

The national and international artists intensively explored the world cultural heritage of Salzburg. The locations of the artworks were chosen by the artists themselves and can be viewed freely.

All 14 works of art can be viewed free of charge. Detailed descriptions and the locations can be found on the Salzburg Tourismus homepage.

There you can also get information about guided tours of the Walk of Modern Art.

The “Walk of Modern Art” leads through the whole of Salzburg and lets you experience the city from a completely new perspective. We present our top 3 works of art.

“Cucumbers” by Erwin Wurm, 2011

Erwin Wurm is one of the great Austrian artists of contemporary art. He became famous with his “One minute sculptures” but also with his “Fat” sculptures such as the “Fat Car”. Wurm deals with the everyday world in a subtle and often ironic way. His artworks reveal multi-layered interpretations that allow the viewer to engage with the object in ever greater depth.

In the Salzburg work “Gurken”, the contrast between the simplicity of the object and the complexity of the observation is particularly intense. It also shows Wurm’s preference for forms and plasticity.

The work has a prominent location on the edge of the Wilhelm-Furtwängler-Garden, very close to the Grosses Festspielhaus.

Sky Space by James Turrell, 2006

The well-known artist James Turrell comes from the USA and became internationally renowned with his Land Art objects. His intensive exploration of space and light gave rise to a series of so-called “Sky Spaces”. Here, architecture and light merge to create a work of art.

In an almost empty room, light and space can be experienced intensively and in ever new ways through incisions and windows. James Turrell’s objects invite you to linger and observe. The time of day, weather conditions, light and shadow change the space again and again.

The Salzburg “Sky Space” is located on the Mönchsberg, right next to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg.

“Connection” by Manfred Walkolbinger, 2011

The Austrian artist Manfred Walkolbinger has spent his career working intensively with jewelry design and is a trained toolmaker. His interest in modern art has led to a series of photographic works and sculptures that can be seen in renowned Austrian museums.

What is particularly striking about Walkolbinger’s work “Connection” is the choice of location. This green strip on the edge of the old town and on the banks of the Salzach had no particular significance and only became a lively urban space thanks to the artwork. The work – as the name suggests – connects: the city and the people. With its special form and placement, however, it also refers to the river, whose “connections” enable further-reaching interpretations.

You will find “Connection” by Manfred Walkolbinger on Rudolfskai. The easiest way to reach it is from Mozartplatz. Just head towards the Salzach and then turn left along the street.