Residenzplatz
25 July 2026 – 5 September 2026
State-rooms of the Residenz
27 July 2026 – 5 October 2026
In summer 2026, Salzburg's Residenzplatz will once again become the stage for a major public art project: In cooperation with the Foundation for Art and Culture Bonn (Stiftung Kunst und Kultur e.V. Bonn), the Province and City of Salzburg will present an installation by Stephan Balkenhol. Working under the title “Là ci darem la mano”, Balkenhol will transform the Residenzplatz during the Salzburg Festival into a space for encounter and reflection. Inspired by the world of opera, his sculptures explore universal themes such as freedom, power, guilt, jealousy, and love, creating a dialogue between visual art, music, and the urban environment. Complementing the outdoor installation, the DomQuartier Salzburg will present a selection of Balkenhol's sculptures in the State Rooms of the Residenz. The exhibition creates a compelling connection between contemporary art, opera, and the site's rich historical heritage. Deputy Governor Stefan Schnöll, Mayor Bernhard Auinger, DomQuartier Director Andrea Stockhammer, Salzburg Festival President Kristina Hammer, and Walter Smerling, Director of the Foundation for Art and Culture Bonn, all emphasize the importance of freely accessible public art. “Public art thrives on the unexpected—on those moments that make us pause in our everyday lives and open up new perspectives. With his clear, dignified figures, Stephan Balkenhol brings precisely this quiet sense of disruption to Salzburg's Residenzplatz, transforming it into a place of lively engagement. In the heart of Salzburg, visitors can experience what public art is capable of: it raises questions, creates encounters, and connects the present with history,” said Kristina Hammer.
