Stephan Balkenhol: Là ci darem la mano

Stephan Balkenhol: Là ci darem la mano
In the state-rooms of the Residenz and on Residenzplatz

25 July 2026 – 5 September 2026 | Residenzplatz
27 July 2026 – 5 October 2026 | State-rooms of the Residenz

In cooperation with Stiftung Kunst und Kultur e.V. Bonn

Installation by internationally renowned artist Stephan Balkenhol

Figures from the world of opera bring Residenzplatz and the state-rooms of the Residenz to new life. The figures become citizens of the city and explore universal human themes such as freedom, power, guilt, jealousy, and love.

The working title “Là ci darem la mano” (roughly translated as “there we will join hands”) is taken from the famous duet in Wolfgang Amadé Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni (K. 527).

Exclusive insight into Stephan Balkenhol’s studio

The initial creative phase of the figures that will be shown at Residenzplatz and in the DomQuartier Salzburg.

© Noah Kronreif & Dominik Kusion, Mattebox Studio

Balkenhol aims to bring Residenzplatz back to life through his project, using figures from the world of opera. They are intended to become a temporary physical presence within the everyday life of the city and its people. In this way, the figures become citizens of the city and engage with universal human themes such as freedom, power, guilt, jealousy, and love.

Contemporary art in the state-rooms

In parallel with the installation at Residenzplatz, sculptures by Stephan Balkenhol from the world of opera will be presented in the state-rooms of the DomQuartier Salzburg. The historic setting of the Residenz places the works in a special context and strengthens the bridge between music, urban history, and art history.

Further information about the exhibition will be published here on an ongoing basis.