Want to see the biggest mural in Vienna? Here it is. This isn’t just any painting. The Welthandel Mural stands tall as a symbol of art and international cooperation.
Inaugurated at a special ceremony, the Welthandel Mural is more than just a pretty picture. It supports the Sustainable Development Goals. It also commemorates the Vienna International Centre’s 45th anniversary.
Australian artist Fintan Magee transformed one of the UN building’s towers. This Welthandel Mural became a landmark art project. It has support from the UN, the City of Vienna, and even the Australian embassy.
The Welthandel Mural embodies the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 16 is especially highlighted and promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. A panel selected Fintan Magee’s design as the clear favorite.
To ensure everyone can appreciate it, tactile information boards were installed. These boards make the Welthandel Mural accessible to people with disabilities. One board sits outside, and another is inside the building.
The tower is 50 meters high and 20 meters wide. The Welthandel Mural is close to the Vienna International Centre’s main entrance. Thousands see it every day.
The public is encouraged to share photos and videos of the painting. Use the hashtags #UNOCityStreetArt #UNVienna and #callelibre.
The United Nations building in Vienna now has a different look. The Welthandel Mural is a giant street artwork. Fintan Magee’s work explores the human side of the UN and the fragility of peace.
The Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly, hopes it inspires sustainability, understanding, and peace. The Welthandel Mural symbolizes fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights Goal 16.
The tower is almost 1,000 square meters. Painting the Welthandel Mural required about 210 liters of paint. The colorful mural may become an icon of Vienna’s 22nd district.
Fintan Magee said his work is based on Picasso’s “Child with a Dove”. The glass pattern effect depicts the human figure as fragile and delicate. The woman holds a white dove, symbolizing peace.
The Welthandel Mural is readily accessible to the public. Around 1.6 million people per month will likely see it. This includes those on trains, motorists, and visitors.
The Calle Libre Street Art Festival collaborated on this project. They aim to enrich Vienna with colorful and accessible art. The festival hopes the Welthandel Mural raises awareness. It promotes a sustainably peaceful future and the importance of art.
Jakob Kattner, Director of the Calle Libre Street Art Festival, said it will impact the population for years. The top of the tower is over 50 meters above the ground. A crane was needed to reach the top.
The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Economy support the project. So do the Mayor of Vienna and the city’s 22nd district municipality.
Dennis Thatchaichawalit, Deputy Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna, said it speaks to our yearning for peace and justice. It alludes to the role of women. It stands for the Sustainable Development Goals.