Murinsel

Murinsel, also known as Mur Island, is a man-made island located in the Mur River in Graz, Austria. The floating stainless steel structure sits in the river in the city center and is connected to both banks by two pedestrian bridges. It was designed by the American artist Vito Acconci and built as part of Graz's activities for the European Capital of Culture in 2003. The project aimed to create a new public space in the river and to symbolize the city’s relationship with the Mur.

The island consists of two curved shells linked by a glass-walled corridor, forming a compact, ship-like form. Inside, it houses a café and a small public interior space used for events and performances; the exterior platforms provide seating and views of the city and river. At night, lighting emphasizes its reflective surface and silhouette against the skyline.

Since its opening, Murinsel has become one of Graz's most recognizable landmarks, attracting visitors and photographers seeking riverfront architecture. It remains a contemporary urban intervention, inviting pedestrians to cross the river and experience a public space that blends art, design, and function.

Maintenance and accessibility have been the subject of discussion, but the structure remains in place as a symbol of Graz's cultural identity.