Hangar 7 Exhibition Space | Flickr: Neuwieser CC-BY 2.0The Wings of Salzburg
In the heart of Salzburg sits an architectural gem that captivates not only motorsport and aviation enthusiasts but also art lovers and gourmets alike: Hangar 7. Built by the visionary founder of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz, who sadly passed away in 2023, this unique building is not just a hangar, but a place where history, technology, and culinary delights blend harmoniously.
The history of Hangar 7 starts with a passionate vision that goes beyond the boundaries of the conventional. Mateschitz, a lover of airplanes and motorsports himself, wanted to create a place that not only serves as an exhibition hall but also as a location for encounters and innovation. The reason for this idea was that the Innsbruck hangar, where the current exhibits were located, simply became too small. In 2003, just 4 years from the idea to its opening, this vision became reality.
Hangar 7 is not just a museum, but a vibrant place of diversity. The impressive collection of historic airplanes, helicopters, and Formula 1 race cars tells the riveting story of aviation and motorsport. Each exhibit is not just a technical masterpiece but also a testament to the progress and passion driving these industries. The largest exhibit and simultaneously the biggest machine of the Flying Bulls is a Douglas DC-6B. Besides the aviation and motorsport exhibits, visitors can also admire exotic plants that create a cozy atmosphere in the glass-dominated building.
Also, art and photography exhibitions are carefully curated and regularly change. Art objects in Hangar 7 are uniquely presented, as they are moved depending on the weather and lighting to cast them in a different, more pleasant light. In Hangar 7, technology meets art, proving that both can go hand in hand. The mutual inspiration of technology and art also aims to be possible for artists and art enthusiasts, creating a space for exchange.
Red Bull Stratos - Felix Baumgartner's suitMore than a hall
Hangar 7 is much more than just an exhibition hall. The various restaurants and bars located in this impressive building make Hangar 7 a culinary hotspot beyond that. From international haute cuisine to regional delicacies, Hangar 7 offers a rich selection for gourmets. Here, taste and technology merge into a unique experience. Every month, a different guest chef cooks at the Restaurant Ikarus. The chef does not have to adhere to any specifications, as Ikarus stands for variety. More about the premises of Hangar 7 can be found in part 2 of the editorial below.
Hangar 7 is also a stage for events that go far beyond the world of motorsports and aviation. From air shows to art exhibitions to culinary festivals, this place offers room for creativity and innovation. TV formats of the broadcaster Servus TV also find the perfect backdrop in Hangar 7. Thus, shows like Talk in Hangar 7, where interesting personalities discuss current topics, or Sport and Talk in Hangar 7 are recorded and broadcasted here.
Hangar 7 is a place that invites to surpass the boundaries of imagination and to experience a unique synthesis of architecture, history, and delight. Hangar 7 is not just a place, but an experience that takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the spheres of innovation and aesthetics.