Klosterhotel Kreuz, Mariastein

The Klosterhotel Kreuz dates back to a 17th-century pilgrim's hostel. After a fire, the building was rebuilt and expanded into a cross shape. Later, the Franciscan Sisters ran it as a spa. Today, the building combines historical substance with a clear contemporary feel. Its proximity to the monastery is palpable and shapes the atmosphere. The hotel also features a medicinal and herb garden with around 200 plant species. It was established in the 1990s and continues to be maintained. The garden, architecture, and landscape are harmoniously connected. Paths, walls, and plants create transitions between inside and outside.

The artist GAMelle works with metal and found objects. Machines, tools, and fragments from another era form the material for his works. He saves these items from disappearing and repurposes them. This results in works that mediate between past and present and remain open to various interpretations. In the monastic environment, this continuation and reinterpretation gain a unique resonance.

Additionally, four works by Marc Reist are on display. The starting point for his works are observations of nature and an engagement with material and structure. He is interested in the relationships between microcosm and macrocosm, as well as parallels between natural phenomena and existential questions. Sculpture, painting, and graphics intertwine. The works emerge from a concentrated process and invite viewers to perceive connections anew.

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