At the traditional Franziskanerplatz, home to the city’s oldest Christmas market, a new attraction has been created in the lead-up to Christmas this year with an Advent peep box: The now empty shop windows of an old shop Gerstner’s children’s fashions are transformed into atmosphere. exhibition space by January 6, 2025, which will attract visitors inviting you to relive the Christmas atmosphere of the square.
In cooperation with Graz‘s famous cultural institutions – including the Graz Culture Churches, the Bishop’s Graz Museum, the Steirisches Volksliedwerk, the Steirisches Heimatwerk and the Volkskundemuseum Graz – the city administration Holding Graz is the initiator together with the Economic and Tourism Department. The development of the City of Graz’s family-friendly exhibition about Christmas customs and Styrian traditions was successful.
The “Grazer Advent-Guckkasten” is unique in its form and a completely new offer for Graz residents and visitors before Christmas to immerse themselves in regional customs, traditions and stories about Advent. Children are especially invited to discover the origins of Christmas customs through the interactive exhibits. I would like to thank the church and cultural partners for their support, which enabled us to present historical and cultural elements in the exhibition areas.” said the City Councilor for Economic Affairs Gunter Riegler.
“The free windows in the former children’s fashion store Gerstner on Franziskanerplatz offer great potential for atmospheric and attractive design before Christmas. “We are even more pleased that the free areas can now be used for Advent and that we can support the implementation of the peep box,” explained Andrew KeimelHead of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
“With the Advent peep box, we are filling the historic exhibition spaces at Franziskanerplatz for the first time with a beautifully designed production that captures the magic of the Advent season while offering fascinating insights into regional customs ,” ie the City Manager Verena Hölzlsauer. “With the motto “Advent in Graz” we are creating a common thread that runs through the entire design and brings forward all the exhibits on display so that they can develop their special influence.”
Shop window design:
Graz Folklore Museum
“The Museum of Folklore in Graz is using some sample items from its collection in a Christmas “peep box”. Christmas gifts from the second half of the 20th century were chosen: under the Christmas tree there were not only toys, but also handmade and useful things for everyday life. The selection of materials reflects the cultural practices of this time and enables a vivid view of the past.” appears Martina EdlerCurator of the Collection, Library/Archives, Graz Museum of Folklore.
Styrian folk song work & Styrian home work
The Styrian Volksliedwerk has been active in the fields of music, culture and rural life for 120 years. “For the window display, beautifully designed items around the theme of “Christmas Carols” are on display. The arrangement is accompanied by impressive posters from the office of Christmas carols, traditional instruments such as fiddles and zither and a selection of CDs that highlight the carol festival and the diversity of European Christmas music. There are also historical song lyrics, sheet music and books, some of which are folded or illuminated on transparent paper or elephant to create an atmospheric environment. The overall picture is completed with authentic decorative items from the Steirisches Heimatwerk,” explained Michael WeissensteinerManagement of Styrian Folk Song Works.
Graz Churches Culture & Graz Bishop Museum
The peep-box windows from Kirchen Kultur Graz draw attention to the diverse offerings of the churches of Graz during Advent and Christmas: from Rorates, performances and nativity scenes to tower blowing and Christmas masses.
Gertraud Schaller-PresslerGraz Church Culture: “You can see a Styrian paper nativity scene, in which even Maria and the angels wear dirndls. There is also a small Christmas train, a Bible Christmas story to read and also the new color card to see, which shows a nativity scene at Franziskanerplatz.”
Finally, the Graz Diocese Museum invites you to its large Christmas exhibition, which is part of the Graz Nativity Trail, with an eye-catching giant sheep, glittering glass balls and nativity scenes. today, in addition to the extensive accompanying program for children. and the whole family.
Pictured (from left): Pia Paierl (Department of Economic Development and Tourism), Michael Weissensteiner (GF Steirisches Volksliedwerk), Verena Hölzlsauer (City Manager), City Councilor for Economic Affairs Günter Riegler, Father Andreas Holl, Gertraud Schaller-Pressler (Kirchen Kultur Graz) and Heimo Kaindl (Diözesanmuseum Graz) in front of the Advent peep box at Franziskanerplatz.
2024-12-01 04:31:00
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## graz Unveils Unique Advent Peep box: A Festive Journey Through Regional Traditions
**world-Today-News.com Interview with Andrew Keimel, Head of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Graz.**
**World-Today-News.com (WTN):** Graz is known for its vibrant Christmas markets, but this year, visitors can expect something truly special with the new Advent peep box at Franziskanerplatz. What inspired this innovative concept?
**Andrew Keimel (AK):** We wanted to create a unique and interactive experience for both residents and tourists, one that goes beyond the conventional Christmas market offerings. The “Grazer Advent-Guckkasten” allows visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of Styrian Christmas customs and traditions in a captivating way.
**WTN:** the peep box is housed in the former Gerstner children’s fashion store. Why was this location chosen and how does it contribute to the overall experience?
**AK:** The empty shop windows offered a perfect chance to transform a vacant space into a captivating exhibition area. Their strategic location at Franziskanerplatz, home to Graz’s oldest Christmas market, adds to the festive ambiance and creates a seamless integration with the existing holiday spirit.
**WTN:** Collaboration seems to be at the heart of this project.What role have Graz’s cultural institutions played in bringing the Advent Peep Box to life?
**AK:** We are incredibly grateful for the support of esteemed institutions like the Graz Culture Churches, the Bishop’s Graz Museum, the Steirisches Volksliedwerk, the steirisches Heimatwerk, and the Volkskundemuseum Graz. Their expertise and contributions have been invaluable in ensuring the exhibition’s ancient accuracy and cultural authenticity.
**WTN:** What can visitors expect to discover within the peep box?
**AK:** the exhibition showcases a engaging array of interactive displays that explore the origins and evolution of Christmas customs in Styria.From traditional decorations and carols to historical anecdotes and storytelling elements, there’s something to engage and delight visitors of all ages, particularly children who can uncover the magic of Christmas through hands-on experiences.
**WTN:** This project demonstrates a commitment to reviving empty spaces and creating vibrant community experiences. How vital is this approach for the city of Graz?
**AK:** Breathing new life into vacant spaces is crucial for fostering a dynamic and engaging urban environment. The Advent peep box not only enhances the holiday season but also demonstrates our dedication to utilizing available resources creatively and collaboratively to enrich the lives of our residents and visitors.
**WTN:** With its unique concept and interactive elements, the Advent peep box promises to be a memorable addition to Graz’s Christmas offerings.What message do you hope visitors take away from this experience?
**AK:** We hope visitors leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural richness and traditions that make Christmas in Graz so special. We want them to feel the magic of the season and carry the warmth of these stories and experiences long after the holidays are over.
