Salon Stolz is Graz’s hands-on museum for children, families and music enthusiasts at Theodor-Körner-Straße 67, 8010 Graz, in the leafy Geidorf–Hilmteich area of Graz, Austria. Named for Graz-born conductor and composer Robert Stolz, the museum opens classical music through play rather than concert-hall formality. Travelers come to experiment with sound, move in an interactive dance theatre and meet Stolz’s musical world through installations designed for active participation.
What to Expect at Salon Stolz
This is a participatory music museum, not a conventional gallery of objects behind glass. The permanent experience introduces Robert Stolz—born in Graz in 1880 and known internationally as a composer, conductor and interpreter of operetta—while inviting visitors to make their own discoveries. Children can try the Tanztheater zum Mitmachen, an interactive dance-theatre setting where movement and music belong together, and play Melodien-Memory, a listening-based memory game. The approach is deliberately open to people who do not read music or already know classical repertoire.
Sound construction is another central theme: visitors can build Klangräume, or sound spaces, and explore how materials, movement and arrangement change what is heard. The MUSICON magical music machine brings together hundreds of mechanical and sounding elements for simple, direct music-making; it is suitable for adults and children from age three. Rotating programmes add another layer. The “Erinnerungsreisen” workshops use melodies, objects and storytelling to consider how memories form and why some songs remain with us for decades.
- Robert Stolz discovery route: Learn about the Graz composer and conductor through an accessible, activity-led introduction to his musical legacy.
- Interactive dance theatre: Respond to music physically in the Tanztheater zum Mitmachen.
- Melodien-Memory: Test listening skills with a musical take on the classic memory game.
- Klangräume: Assemble and investigate sound environments rather than simply observing instruments.
- MUSICON music machine: Make music with a dense network of mechanical and sounding elements; recommended from age three.
Salon Stolz at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Theodor-Körner-Straße 67, 8010 Graz, Austria |
| Neighborhood / Area | Geidorf–Hilmteich, beside Graz’s eastern green belt |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Friday 1pm–6pm; Saturday–Sunday 10am–6pm |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Paid admission; check Salon Stolz’s official booking page for current museum rates. Listed workshops cost €5.70 per person and require registration. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60–90 minutes; allow longer when attending a workshop or concert café |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Tram 1 and bus 41 at Hilmteich/Botanischer Garten; use the Hilmteich parking area for a nearby car option. |
| Official Website / Phone | salonstolz.at · +43 316 872 7700 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday afternoons suit a quieter self-guided visit, while weekend mornings give families a useful early start before the museum’s 6pm close. Reserve ahead for programmed sessions: Saturday workshops are held at 4pm, and the museum asks participants to book by email at [email protected] or by phone. The regular museum experience is especially rewarding when adults join in rather than treating it as a drop-off activity; most stations are conceived for shared listening, testing and conversation.
From central Graz, take tram 1 or bus 41 toward the Hilmteich/Botanischer Garten stop and continue on foot to Theodor-Körner-Straße. Drivers should plan around the Hilmteich parking area rather than expecting extensive on-street space by the museum. Salon Stolz provides step-free access suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with level circulation through the visitor areas; call before arrival if a member of your group needs individual assistance with a workshop setup. Combine a visit with the Graz Botanical Garden, the pond and walking paths at Hilmteich, or a short walk into the woods of Leechwald. These stops make an easy half-day for families, particularly in warm weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Salon Stolz’s opening hours and when is the best time to visit?
Salon Stolz is open 1pm–6pm Monday through Friday and 10am–6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday afternoons are best for a more relaxed visit; arrive earlier on weekends if you want time at the interactive stations before a booked activity.
How much do tickets cost, and do I need a reservation?
Museum admission is paid, with current rates published through the official Salon Stolz booking information. Workshops cost €5.70 per person and must be reserved in advance by email or telephone. Booking is particularly important for the Saturday 4pm workshop slot.
How much time should I budget for Salon Stolz?
Allow 60–90 minutes for the museum’s music-making stations, dance theatre, Melodien-Memory and sound-space activities. Add time for a scheduled workshop, especially MUSICON or an Erinnerungsreisen session, and for a walk around nearby Hilmteich.
Is Salon Stolz suitable for young children and wheelchair users?
Yes. The museum is designed for children and families, while MUSICON is recommended from age three and selected Erinnerungsreisen workshops from age six. Step-free access and level visitor areas accommodate wheelchairs and strollers; contact Salon Stolz before a workshop for tailored assistance.
When browsing more top-rated museums in Graz, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Museum Of Perception (2.5 km away) and Schell Collection (0.8 km away).
