The façade of the UMAK, developed by Berger+Parkkinen, takes up the material language of the nearby Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus (also developed by Berger+Parkkinen and completed in 2019) through the use of ceramic panels. However, while the thermal building uses open slats, the university has a closed ceramic envelope that is ventilated on its back side. The proposal responds to the specific needs of an institution dedicated to music, combining natural lighting and ventilation in the classrooms, large glass surfaces in the concert halls and conditions of darkness and acoustic insulation in the studios.
Inside, the ground floor is conceived as a space open to the public and has as its core a lobby illuminated by skylights that extends to the upper floor. The division into two structures allows for the incorporation of large rooms and rehearsal spaces with special heights, while the cantilever of the upper levels emphasizes the access plaza. Despite the technical demands of a university dedicated to music, the building maintains an adaptable organization, guaranteeing flexibility of uses.
Mozarteum University at the Kurgarten (UMAK) by Berger+Parkkinen. Photograph by Ana Barros.
Project description by Berger+Parkkinen
In 2021, the architectural practice Berger+Parkkinen was commissioned to construct a new building for the Mozarteum University at the Kurgarten (UMAK) in Salzburg. The building was inaugurated in October 2025.
The Mozarteum University at the Kurgarten is located directly next to the Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus, which was also designed by Berger+Parkkinen and completed in 2019. Both buildings now characterise the historic city centre of Salzburg with their clear and distinctive architectural language.
For the design of the new building, the architects took their cue from the morphology of the adjacent spa gardens and the former fortifications. The aim was to make the transition from the Baroque grounds of Mirabell Palace to the Wilhelminian-style Markus-Sittikus-Straße tangible.
The Location
The plans for the Mozarteum University at the Kurgarten did not only relate to the building site itself, but to the entire surroundings of the inner-city parks – Kurgarten, Zwergerlgarten and Mirabellgarten. The main building of the Mozarteum University is located at the south-western end of this area.
The new building is part of an urban development concept that combines different structures – from Baroque to Wilhelminian to 20th century – while also forming a bridge between the parks and the city streets.
To this end, the UMAK was divided into two structures, which are staggered in height and size to match the surrounding buildings: the closed structure of Auerspergstraße on one side and the more open Schwarzstraße on the other. As with the neighbouring Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus, the main entrance is located on a newly created square at the corner of Schwarzstraße and Auerspergstraße.
The Interior
In keeping with its use as a university building, the ground floor of the building is open to the public. The heart of the building is the hall with natural skylights, which extends to the top floor. The division of the building into two structures allows for the accommodation of large halls and practice rooms with special ceiling heights. The powerful overhang of the upper floors above the entrance area emphasises the importance of the square in front and provides a view of the neighbouring Paracelsus Baths & Spa.
The Façade
Like the neighbouring Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus, the façade of the UMAK is designed with ceramic panels. While open slats were used there, the UMAK has a closed, rear-ventilated ceramic façade.
This design takes into account the special requirements of an art university with a focus on music: individual rooms need daylight and ventilation, concert halls need large glazing, while studios need darkness and quiet. The materials, colours and proportions are based on the bathhouse, but at the UMAK the slats are closed. Only in the large rehearsal rooms do fixed slats provide sun protection. A uniform window format with integrated sun and glare protection was developed for the classrooms. The entrance area and the connection between the two buildings are generously glazed.
Despite the high technical requirements, the building was designed to remain flexible in its use. In addition, the compact construction contributes to a good energy balance and long-term sustainability.
