French cultural institute moves into Graz palace
Saturday 7th November 2026 on 18:30 in
Austria
Graz’s French cultural institute has moved from the Painted House on Herrengasse to the nearby Palais Welsersheimb, ORF Steiermark reports. The institute offers language courses and cultural events at its new home.
The palace has a connection to France: Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother and former king of Holland, stayed there for an extended period around 1812 while in Graz.
Founded in 1948, the institute serves as a meeting place for French people and people interested in France. Its president, Gerald Hafner, said it helps French residents in Styria renew passports, keep the language alive for their children and attend cultural events.
The institute has 15,000 books and other media. It offers language courses for adults and children, with its youngest participants aged three. It also hosts cultural and food events. French honorary consul Bernhard Rinner said French cuisine appeals to Styrians, while people in France are introduced to pumpkin seed oil.