St. Pölten will soon have an innovative space for children designed by children

“KinderKunstLabor” is the place where kids will develop their artistic skills

“KinderKunstLabor”, the new architectural project in St.Pölten, where children are going to learn more about contemporary art and culture, will open in 2024. The architect Michael Salvi will use renewable building materials to have a positive effect on the ecology and wood as the main material to reduce CO2 in nature.

Development of visual arts in early childhood

The construction creates an innovative space for children to focus on contemporary visual arts. In order to develop a place that is consistently regarded from a children's perspective, a children-based committee is formed to actively participate in the project’s design.

Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner expressed her enthusiasm for the commission of the project: "With this complete work of art, we want to cause a sensation at a regional, national and international level, especially among children and families. In workshops, the children's ideas, imagination, innovation and self-confidence should be strengthened”.

Exhibition rooms, laboratory, playgrounds and café

According to architect Salvi, the wooden structure is placed in a way that does not interfere with the park and leaves enough space for the natural look of the park. The project will be equipped with exhibition rooms, laboratory areas and offices. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds and a café will also be part of it. All this will be distributed on four floors.  

The Mayor of St. Pölten, Matthias Stadler, shared his opinion: "St. Pölten wants to further distinguish itself as a living city of art, culture and education. The “KinderKunstLabor” combines and reinforces all these aspects. With this, we are expanding the cultural offerings for the people of St.Pölten and offer a point of attraction for the surrounding area.”

The construction will cost about 12 million euros and will be funded by the city, the state and the federal government. The Swiss architect competed with 42 other designers in an open competition across the EU.