MUK@OWA

The Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK) is to be relocated to the Otto Wagner Area (OWA). The former hospital grounds, which feature 34 Heritage-listed Art Nouveau pavilions surrounded by parkland, are underway to be transformed into a science and culture campus. The project is also going to set new standards in energy technology. Since summer 2025, MUK has been running the “Pioneers' Pavilion” and is establishing itself as an anchor user.

Teaching, learning, doing research and living in one location.

In March 2025, Mayor Dr Michael Ludwig announced plans to establish a university campus for the MUK at the OWA. In June 2025, he reaffirmed this plan to the Vienna City Council, demonstrating his clear commitment to the MUK as the only university in Vienna.

With the new location, the MUK will not only gain new premises for teaching, research and artistic practice, but also an opportunity for student accommodation, which will benefit the university and the local community. This creation of a genuine campus setting will optimise study conditions for students from all institutes and degree programmes. The historic pavilions, surrounded by greenery, offer an inspiring environment for the students' artistic work.

Moreover, the historic building complex is being adapted with environmentally friendly technologies such as geothermal energy and photovoltaics. This makes it a flagship project within Vienna's climate strategy and its 2040 climate targets.
 

Participatory planning phase

For MUK, this represents a genuine process of change, which is not just a matter of moving to a new location, but also of further developing its self-image as a university. This transition towards a campus where teaching, learning and living converge will have a lasting impact on the daily life of the MUK community.

The next stage, which is already underway, involves drawing up a comprehensive spatial and functional plan for the MUK pavilions at the OWA. This marks the start of the planning phase for the MUK's relocation.

A space and function programme ('blueprint in words') is to be developed in the near future. Future users are actively involved in a large-scale participation process, enabling their expertise, requirements and working methods to be incorporated directly. This will provide a clear picture of how teaching, learning, rehearsals, work, and cooperation can function on the new campus.
 

“Pioneers' Pavilion" 

The MUK will utilise 15 pavilions, thereby revitalising half of the site. Alongside the MUK, targeted settlements from the fields of science, education, art, culture and social affairs will be established. Pavilion 10 has been used by MUK as the 'Pioneers' Pavilion' since summer 2025.

The MUK already has premises available at the Otto Wagner Areal. MUK members can contact Angelika Maier directly if they require space for rehearsals, projects, workshops, etc.