Under the Spell of Mozart’s Magic Flute

Mozarts world-famous opera The Magic Flute continues to inspire artists in various ways to this day. On the occasion of Mozart's 270th birthday, the exhibition Under the Spell of the Magic Flute focuses on four of them: Oskar Kokoschka, Max Slevogt, Stephan von Huehne, and Wolfgang Hutter.

Opera meets visual art

The Magic Flute is one of the most popular and frequently performed works in musical theater worldwide. Mozart’s stage work not only challenges musicians, but also provides important inspiration for visual artists.

Max Slevogt, for example, created his masterful illustrations for The Magic Flute out of deep admiration for Mozart. Oskar Kokoschka also engaged intensively with the opera: he designed colorful stage visions and expressive costumes for the Salzburg Festival. With a preference for colorful landscapes, Wolfgang Hutter contributed the visual design for the Singspiel at the Graz Opera. His designs transport viewers into a magical world full of exotic plants and creatures.

Where is the magic?

That's what Stephan von Huene asked himself after seeing the Salzburg production. In response, he developed a sound sculpture that activates visitors' visual, acoustic, and physical perceptions in a surprising and magical way.

Together, these four artists and their works show how vibrant and multifaceted The Magic Flute remains today—as a visual, acoustic, and emotional experience.