Congress Center Villach

One of the most prominent landmarks in Villach is the Congress Center Villach, a modern and versatile venue that hosts national and international events, from conferences and congresses to concerts and exhibitions. The Congress Center Villach is a remarkable attraction in Villach, as it combines modern architecture, cutting-edge technology, and cultural diversity. It is a versatile and attractive venue that can host any kind of event, from business and academic to artistic and social. It is also a convenient and comfortable location that can enhance the experience of visiting Villach and the Alpe-Adria region.

The History of the Congress Center Villach

The Congress Center Villach was built in 1999 as part of the urban development project “Europaplatz”, which aimed to revitalize the area around the main railway station and the river Drau. The project was designed by the renowned Austrian architect Gustav Peichl, who also created the ORF broadcasting center in Vienna and the Museum of Modern Art in Frankfurt. The Congress Center Villach is a striking example of contemporary architecture, with its curved glass facade and its distinctive tower that rises above the city skyline.

The Congress Center Villach was inaugurated in 2000 with a gala concert featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the soprano Anna Netrebko. Since then, it has become one of the leading convention centers in Austria, attracting organizers and guests from all over the world. The Congress Center Villach has hosted many prestigious events, such as the European Forum Alpbach, the World Congress of Neurology, the European Congress of Radiology, and the International Conference on Alpine Meteorology.

The Facilities and Services of the Congress Center Villach

The Congress Center Villach offers a range of facilities and services to suit different needs and preferences. It has a total of 12 rooms, with capacities ranging from 10 to 2,000 people. The largest and most impressive room is the Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 2,000 people in theater-style seating, or up to 1,200 people in banquet-style seating. The Great Hall has a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, a large stage, and a retractable seating system that allows for flexible configurations. The Great Hall can also be divided into two smaller halls, each with a capacity of 1,000 people.

The Congress Center Villach also has a number of smaller rooms, such as the Boardroom, the Seminar Room, the Gallery, and the Foyer. These rooms are ideal for meetings, workshops, seminars, and receptions. They are equipped with modern technology, such as wireless internet, video projectors, and microphones. The Congress Center Villach also has a spacious exhibition area, which can host up to 100 stands, and a catering area, which can provide food and beverages for up to 2,500 people.

The Congress Center Villach is not only a functional venue, but also a cultural and artistic one. It has a permanent collection of contemporary art, featuring works by local and international artists, such as Erwin Wurm, Arnulf Rainer, and Gottfried Helnwein. The Congress Center Villach also organizes regular cultural events, such as concerts, theater performances, comedy shows, and festivals. Some of the highlights include the Carinthian Summer Music Festival, the Villach Carnival, and the Villach Christmas Market.

The Location and Accessibility of the Congress Center Villach

The Congress Center Villach is conveniently located in the heart of Villach, within walking distance from the main railway station and the bus terminal. It is also easily accessible by car, as it is close to the A2 and A10 motorways, which connect Villach to other major cities in Austria and neighboring countries. The Congress Center Villach has a large underground parking garage, with 600 parking spaces and direct access to the venue.

Villach, Austria