In the Austrian city of Salzburg, a unique three-day event is drawing attention not with grand celebrations but with a festival of protest and performance. Called the “Porsche Tunnel Festspiele,” this self-organized gathering brings together artists, activists, and concerned citizens who are responding creatively to a planned construction project on the city’s historic Kapuzinerberg. The festival features discussions, spontaneous theater, and community engagement, all centered around a controversial private tunnel proposed by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG.
The focal point of the debate is the Paschinger Schlössl, also known as the Stefan Zweig Villa, a 17th-century residence perched on the slopes of Kapuzinerberg. This villa once housed Austrian writer Stefan Zweig and remains a culturally significant site in Salzburg. Wolfgang Porsche, who purchased the property in 2020, has undertaken extensive renovations and aims to complete them by mid-2025.
As part of his plans, he has proposed building a 500-meter underground tunnel to connect the villa to the Linzergasse parking garage. The tunnel would include a private nine-car garage and a pedestrian passage, replacing the steep, narrow road currently leading to the villa.
Organizers of the protest festival are using art and public dialogue to reflect on the implications of this development. Events include open-air film screenings, such as a documentary about urban transformation in Wolfsburg, as well as interactive forums like the “Fishbowl” discussion on wealth and influence. Perhaps most striking are the impromptu theater performances, staged around Kapuzinerberg, that use humor and dramatization to highlight the surreal nature of the tunnel proposal. One such play, titled “The Tunnel of Mr. P,” is performed in three acts and promises unexpected appearances throughout the city.
The festival’s website emphasizes community participation and invites all to join in—not just as spectators, but as contributors. The intention is to create an inclusive space where people can express their thoughts on urban development, accessibility, and the use of historic spaces. While the event centers on a specific project, its approach is rooted in broader themes of community engagement and creative expression.
As Salzburg awaits a final decision on the tunnel’s construction, the Porsche Tunnel Festspiele offers an alternative lens through which to view the discussion. It is not just a protest, but a cultural happening—one that encourages conversation, creativity, and a closer look at how cities shape their futures.
