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The history of Tabakfabrik Linz is a mirror of social and economic development. Following the privatization of Austria Tabakwerke and the gradual relocation of production, the factory was shut down in 2009. However, this was not the end, but the beginning of a new, visionary phase. In the same year that Linz was the European Capital of Culture and a wave of change swept through the city, the City of Linz took the bold initiative and purchased the listed site. It was the starting signal for one of the most exciting transformations in the city’s recent history.
Explore how an industrial monument became a vibrant ecosystem for creativity, innovation and community.
Pioneer phase: visions, experiments and first tenants (2009-2013)
The first challenge was enormous: 80,000 square meters of empty space in one of Europe’s most important industrial buildings. What was to become of it? Instead of relying on quick solutions, an open and participatory process began. The mission statement defined four pillars – creativity, social affairs, work and education – and was committed to transparency and openness.
During this pioneering phase, the site became a testing ground for legendary events. Interim uses such as the Ars Electronica Festival, theater productions and symposia explored the potential of the site and made the factory accessible to the public again for the first time. The arrival of Ars Electronica Solutions as the very first tenant laid the foundation for today’s ecosystem, the Tabakfabrik’s unique community.
Chris Müller about Tabakfabrik Linz (German)
As founding director (2013 to 2023), Chris Müller left his mark on the vacant site after it was purchased by the City of Linz (2009). He talks about the early years.
Transformation: From building in existing structures to a collaborative group (2013-2017)
The visible transformation began with the revitalization of Building 2 (now Haus DAMES). The internationally acclaimed “box-in-box” concept set new standards in dealing with listed industrial architecture. At the same time, the content vision of the collaborative group was sharpened: an ecosystem in which start-ups, creatives, educational and social institutions inspire and strengthen each other.
The fact that Tabakfabrik is more than just a business location was impressively demonstrated in 2015. When thousands of refugees arrived in Austria, the site became an emergency shelter and a huge donation warehouse overnight – a living implementation of the social pillar and a strong sign of humanity.
Modern remodeling
Box-in-Box in the DAMES house | historic spaces new & chic
Netural/Sighart
Netural / Sighart, Fehkührer
Netural / Sighart, Fehkührer
pixelkinder.com // Peter Kollroß
Wave of solidarity
Accommodation for Syrian refugees 2015
Ines Thomsen
Ines Thomsen
Acceleration: The production chain of the future is emerging (2017-2019)
The late 2020s were a time of rapid development. One of the most important decisions was the demolition of the unlisted interim warehouses. This bold step not only restored the original architectural condition of 1935, but also opened up the area to the east and created an important link to the up-and-coming harbor district.
Inside the CASABLANCA building (formerly Bau1 ), the Strada del Start-up was created as a “production line” for start-ups that is unique in Europe and has become a vibrant center of the start-up scene in close cooperation with partners such as factory300 and tech2b. At the same time, the GRAND GARAGE in Haus Smart (formerly Magazin 3) closed the “missing link” in the production chain: a huge innovation workshop where ideas become tangible prototypes. The general refurbishment of the Lösehalle also created one of the most spectacular event locations in the country. During this phase, the number of people working here exceeded the number when cigarette production was closed for the first time – clear proof of the success of the new concept.
HAVANA & SMART
Award-winning new architecture & makerspace Grand Garage
House CASABLANCA
Eventspace Lösehalle & Strada del Startup
GERHARD GRUBER LINZ-AUSTRIA
Completion and outlook: Architectural icons, green oases and a new identity (since 2020)
Tabakfabrik 2020
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million
Event visitors since 2010
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Plot size including quadrill
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rented space in the listed Tabakfabrik building
The recent past is characterized by architectural masterpieces and a consistent focus on sustainability and quality of life. In 2021, SOKO LINZ set up its TV commissioner’s office in the Tabakfabrik, including a pathology department, and production returned to the former power plant in 2022 with the establishment of the Linz brewery – a symbolic milestone that gave the area a new gastronomic and social center. Magazine 2 was transformed into the award-winning HAVANNA building, whose façade of 70,000 glass blocks translates Peter Behrens’ architectural language into the 21st century.
More green
At the same time, the area became greener: with the Urban Canyon, the aLaska Passage and the implementation of the Sponge City principle, climate-friendly oases were created that significantly increase the quality of stay. The renaming of the buildings after historic cigarette brands gave the area a new, strong identity in 2022.
Flagship project
Today, more than 15 years after its purchase by the City of Linz, Tabakfabrik is an internationally recognized showcase project. It is living proof of how the legacy of industrial society can become an engine for the creative and knowledge economy of the future. With the opening of QUADRILL at the beginning of 2026, it became a district with restaurants, stores, events and much more to discover.
The redesign of Peter-Behrens-Platz, which was launched in 2025, opens the next chapter in this fascinating success story.