Photo: Lucas Tuan-Anh Nguyen
BIENNALE
Welcome to Funga.
Every two years, the Pilzfestspiele transform Vienna into the capital of fungal research. The 2025 festival, under the motto 'Welcome to Funga', was the only event of its kind in Europe to put the mostly invisible world of fungi centre stage, raising awareness of their fundamental importance in ecosystems, climate protection and the circular economy. Top-class scientists and citizen scientists presented their latest research through various formats, including exhibitions, film screenings, lectures and workshops, at multiple venues. With over 8,500 visitors, 300 students and 77 speakers across 20 venues, the second Pilzfestspiele in Vienna was significantly larger than the 2023 premiere.
A particular highlight was the presentation by Giuliana Furci, the founder and director of the Fungi Foundation, which is the oldest NGO dedicated to the protection of fungi. She has spent years campaigning through the FFF initiative (Fauna, Flora, Funga) for fungi to be included in national and global species protection laws.
International speakers
PILZFEST
The strategy game in the fungal kingdom.
Pilzfest follows the life cycle of fungi. A journey of growth, spread, decay, and new beginnings. In gameplay terms, this means: growing mushrooms to collect points, spreading spores to expand your mycelial network, and finally experiencing the decay of your mushrooms to unlock special actions.
We are committed to preserving and protecting ecosystems.
With every game sold, we support the UNESCO World Heritage Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area. For each Pilzfest, five square metres of the surrounding forest area are set aside from use for eighty years. In this way, you contribute to preserving the oldest ecosystem in Central Europe.
Designed & illustrated by J. J. Neville. Translated from the English by Dr Wolfgang Hinterdobler.
1.525
m²
Status: 01.01.2026