Palais Meran

The Palais Meran is situated on Leonhardstraße in the second district of St. Leonhard.

The palace was constructed between 1841 and 1843 by the esteemed master builder Georg Hauberrisser senior. It was specifically designed to serve as a residential palace for Archduke Johann.It is evident from the agreement between Hauberrisser and the “construction management” that Hauberrisser was not the architect responsible for designing it.Currently, there is no archival evidence to support the assumptions made in the literature regarding the origin of the facade designs and the concept for the interior design being attributed to Archduke Johann himself.Felix von Stregen played a significant role throughout the entire construction process in various areas.

The house is situated in a spacious park, which was once the site of a farmstead. The Archduke was able to have his property released from servitude in 1834. He passed away on May 11, 1859, at the Palais Meran.The name was given in honor of his son, Count Franz von Meran, who was granted this title in 1844.

The large structure underwent expansions in 1939 and 1963, following the addition of the north wing in 1880.The University of Music and Performing Arts Graz has been situated on its current premises since 1963.

The palace was constructed in the late classicism architectural style.The show side is elongated.The wrought-iron door grilles are original to the construction period.The coat of arms of Archduke Johann is displayed on the gable.The vestibule is divided into three aisles, each consisting of three bays. It features a Platzl vault supported by pillars.The first-floor ballroom features a stunning stuccolustro wall structure, complemented by a beautifully carved wooden ceiling adorned with an array of coats of arms.