Mill tower «Mühleturm»

Mühleturm Chur - Mural with a view

The Mühleturm tower in the centre of Chur is one of the most striking public art projects in Graubünden. The former silo tower, which is around 40 metres high, has been used as a vertical canvas since 2018 and is home to the largest mural in Switzerland. The project was initiated by Fabian ‘Bane’ Florin, a well-known street artist from Chur, in collaboration with the city of Chur and local partners.

The project kicked off with the mural ‘The Mountain Crystal’: two oversized hands holding a crystal - a symbol of inner strength and an artistic statement of attachment to one's homeland. Three years later, the artwork was replaced as part of a major school competition. The design for the new motif came from pupil Mayara Ramos and was professionally realised by Bane and Rips1. It shows a colourful composition with animal and plant elements and refers to biodiversity, nature and change.

A new mural has adorned the Mühleturm since autumn 2024: ‘The Guardian of the Three Leagues’. A mysterious female figure with a blindfold holds three sources of light in her hands - symbols of hope, trust and the canton's historical alliances. The corn that surrounds her symbolises migration, cultural diversity and the fruits of joint development.

The Mühleturm is therefore not only a landmark, but also a projection surface for social issues and artistic dialogue. The work of art is redesigned every few years and thus contributes to Chur's dynamic identity as a modern city of culture.