Gerhard Garstenauer (1925–2016) undoubtedly ranks high on any list of Austria’s most important architects, at least when it comes to the second half of the twentieth century. And even though his architectural work, with a few exceptions, is limited to the city and province of Salzburg, his work has been and continues to be recognised nationally and internationally as outstanding.

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Gerhard Garstenauer’s birth – an occasion that alone warrants a comprehensive tribute. This is even more urgent in view of the current state of his architectural legacy, which is worrying in some respects. Fortunately, Garstenauer’s extensive estate has been accessible at Salzburg Museum since 2010, where it is being digitally recorded and catalogued, making it available for in-depth scholarly research.

In 2024, a scholarly symposium took place, the contributions and findings of which will be incorporated into an exhibition that Salzburg Museum is showing as a visiting exhibition at the Initiative Architektur.