Mur Island

The Murinsel is one of the most beautiful islands in Austria. It is an artificial floating "island" in the middle of the Mur river and links the two banks on both sides. At night the blue navigation lights that surround the structure light up. This landmark of Graz was designed by New York City artist Vito Acconci on the occasion of Graz becoming the 2003 European Capital of Culture. Mur Island is in the form of a giant sea shell and measures 47 m (154 ft) in length.

The Mur Island has reintroduced the Mur River to the people of Graz. Until recently, the river had been polluted by sewage and industrial effluent. So the fact that the Mur had dug itself 12m deeper into its riverbed following its regulation in the nineteenth century didn't bother anyone. The river that connects and divides the city now has good water quality and has become inviting. Graz-born Robert Punkenhofer inspired the New York artist Vito Acconci to design an accessible artificial island. The project was realized as a 47m-long reticular steel construction. The curved and twisted shape can be associated with a half-opened shell. In its open part, wave-like blue benches form an amphitheatre for events of all kinds. Under the domed glass roof cooled by water, a café in blue and white offers the opportunity to enjoy being close to the Mur - a new feeling even for locals.

Location: Graz, Austria

Area: 1.052sq