Mozart in Gold: “The Untamable Genius” Arrives in Salzburg
Salzburg is celebrating the 270th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadé Mozart’s birth with an extraordinary temporary art installation that presents the legendary composer from a more personal perspective.
Opening on 16 July 2026 in the Mirabell Gardens, Mozart – The Untamable Genius is a sculptural project by German artist Ottmar Hörl, created in collaboration with the International Mozarteum Foundation.
Rather than focusing solely on Mozart’s musical genius, the installation explores the composer as a human being — including his well-known affection for animals. Inspired by the Mozart family’s correspondence, in which their beloved dog Pimperl is mentioned numerous times, Hörl’s sculptures portray Mozart accompanied by his four-legged companion.
A striking 400 monochrome gold-coloured sculptures have been installed across several locations connected with Mozart in Salzburg, including the Bastion/Museum Pavilion area, Mozart’s Birthplace, the Magic Flute Cottage, and the Mozarteum Gardens.
The installation will remain on view until 31 August 2026, transforming some of Salzburg’s most iconic Mozart locations into an unusual open-air celebration of the composer — not only as an untamable musical genius, but as a man with passions, affection and a playful human side.
