Colorful Bayreuth: Urban art inspires in a historical setting!
Discover Bayreuth's urban art scene with over 35 impressive works of art in the historic city center and around the festival.

Colorful Bayreuth: Urban art inspires in a historical setting!
Bayreuth is not only known for Richard Wagner's operas and the legendary festivals, but also surprises with a lively urban art scene. Around 35 impressive works of art, including sculptures and street art paintings, make up the Bayreuth open-air gallery, which is a real treat for art lovers. The historic city center, the festival park and the university grounds are home to works by renowned artists of the 20th century, including Alfred Hrdlicka, Horst Antes and Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd. Particularly interesting: Several of these works of art were created as part of the series “She’s back – Street art for Bayreuth”, which has brought five large-scale murals by international street artists to the city since 2018.
If you want to experience urban art up close, you should take the time to take a tour. A thematic city map, available at the tourist information office, not only offers an overview of the art in public spaces, but also exciting information about the individual works of art. The highlights include the impressive bronze work “Interiors” by Horst Antes and the impressive mural by Stohead at the city library. Another unique work is the work “Non Violence – The Knot in the Revolver” by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, which causes a stir and makes you think.
The diversity of urban art
The art scene in Bayreuth is colorful and diverse. Recent works by artists such as Drew Merrit, who portrays Wilhelmine's daughter as a young woman with modern features, and Nychos, who interprets the princess in comic style, show how vibrant urban art is here. Here too, the works of art can mostly be found in the historical part of the city, which adds additional charm. Studies show that new, uplifting public projects are waiting for citizens as soon as possible. Street art has already become firmly established in many cities around the world, as scholars and art experts have highlighted in various discussions - for example in London with the Modern Tate exhibition or as part of the Backjumps exhibition in Berlin.
Another highlight is the Liebesbier Urban Art Hotel, which is causing a sensation with its concept. Each room was designed by over 50 creative street artists from different countries. From Elle to D-Face to Super A and Hera, art comes to life in every corner here. Guests can not only use the hotel as a place to stay overnight, but also visit it as part of Bayreuth's beer experience world.
Urban Art Experience
Anyone interested can take part in guided city tours, which are offered all year round. These premier shorter walking tours provide an in-depth look at the city's urban and street art. The two-hour tours not only offer exciting information, but also the opportunity to experience Bayreuth from a new perspective. Bookings are possible at any time, giving many people the opportunity to experience various works of art up close and learn more about their backgrounds.
The combination of old tradition and fresh, creative expression makes Bayreuth a unique destination for art lovers. The city is also an excellent example of enriching public space through urban art, which not only beautifies the streets but also promotes dialogue among people.
For those interested, there is extensive information about urban art in Bayreuth on the website bayreuth-tourismus.de and freizeit.at. If you would like to find out more about the scientific aspects of urban art, see academia.edu other interesting articles.