Rudolf Buchbinder Hall
Grafenegg is a place of inspiration, where music, art and culture have always flourished in its idyllic surroundings. Alongside the Wolkenturm and the Auditorium, the Reitschule plays a vital role as Grafenegg’s third major venue, offering concert introductions, chamber music recitals and late-night sessions.
Beginning in autumn 2024, the historic Reitschule will undergo a comprehensive modernisation to meet today’s diverse artistic needs and offer visitors an even more rewarding concert experience.
When the renovation is complete, this architectural jewel will bear the name of Rudolf Buchbinder — the artist whose vision and international presence have shaped Grafenegg like no other.
3D Visualisation
Maurer & Partner, the architectural team behind the redesign, will open up the ground-floor hall by creating new connecting doors to the Auditorium and the park. This will link the venue more closely with the rest of the campus, turning it into an expanded foyer and a welcoming space for events and receptions.
The chamber music hall will be relocated to the first floor and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. One of the most striking features of the new space will be the large windows, which will frame panoramic views of the Wolkenturm, the castle and the park, merging the acoustic experience with the visual.
A new west-facing extension with additional artists’ rooms and technical infrastructure with transform the Reitschule into a multifunctional venue within a historic atmosphere.
The future Rudolf Buchbinder Hall will also provide a home for the Grafenegg Academy’s spirit of exploration. Here, young musicians from across the globe will find space to experiment, collaborate and help shape the music of tomorrow.
«A building is like the performance of a symphony. If the conductor — or the architect — can inspire everyone involved with their vision, the work can succeed.»
Schedule
Modernisation- Start of construction: Autumn 2024
- Opening: Summer 2026
Your personal commitment
With the kind support of
Raiffeisen Niederösterreich-Wien
Raiffeisen Niederösterreich-Wien has stood by Grafenegg for many years as a dedicated partner. The company continues to support the festival out of shared conviction — and now contributes to the modernisation of the historic Reitschule.
DONAU Versicherung
DONAU Versicherung, one of Grafenegg’s earliest and most loyal sponsors, plays a key role in this redevelopment. By supporting the project, DONAU helps carry Grafenegg’s success story into the future.
A Look Back
The Reitschule complex was originally constructed between 1841 and 1845 in the neoclassical style, based on plans attributed to Leopold Ernst. A later renovation in 1978 gave the building its current appearance: the eaves were lowered by a good metre, which significantly reduced the spatial volume of the main hall; and the roof was built as a steel structure, following the technical standards of the time.
Looking Ahead
Because of these earlier alterations, the current roof must be completely rebuilt. Grafenegg will use this opportunity to work closely with the Federal Monuments Office and reimagine the historic roofline. The building will regain its original height, making it possible to use the newly created space on two levels and offer numerous additional possibilities for use.
Rudolf Buchbinder, who more than anyone embodies the success of Grafenegg and its international appeal, performed at the Reitschule even before the Wolkenturm and Auditorium were built. This historic gem will be dedicated to him once the renovation is complete.