K21 Kunstsammlung | Dusseldorf

K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (K21) is one of Düsseldorf's most important and dynamic contemporary art museums. It is part of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, a state-run museum that also includes K20, another major museum in Düsseldorf. K21 is housed in the Ständehaus, a historic building with modern expansions, and is renowned for its collection of contemporary art as well as its cutting-edge temporary exhibitions.

Overview

• Name: K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
• Location: Ständehaus, Düsseldorf, Germany
• Type: Contemporary Art Museum
• Established: The museum opened in 2002, although the building has a much longer history as a former parliament house.
• Architectural Style: K21 is housed in the Ständehaus, a neoclassical building dating back to 1891, which was originally used as the seat of the North Rhine-Westphalia Parliament. The building was carefully renovated to integrate modern architectural elements, and a new glass dome was added as part of the expansion, making the museum an exciting mix of historical and contemporary design.

Historical Background

The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen was established to house a wide range of modern and contemporary artworks. K21 was designed specifically to focus on the art of the late 20th and 21st centuries, making it one of the leading museums for contemporary art in Germany. It was opened in 2002, in the Ständehaus, after significant renovations and adaptations to the space.

Key Features

The Building (Ständehaus)

• The Ständehaus itself is a masterpiece of 19th-century neoclassical architecture and was previously the parliament building for the region. In the 1990s, the building was converted into an art museum.
• A major modern addition is the glass dome that crowns the building. This remarkable architectural feature allows natural light to flood the central atrium and gives the museum a striking, contemporary feel.
• The building’s expansive interior includes multiple floors of exhibition spaces and vast galleries that provide the perfect environment for showcasing large-scale works of contemporary art.

Art Collection

• The museum’s collection spans a diverse range of media, including painting, sculpture, installation art, video art, and photography, with a strong focus on innovative works from German and international artists.
• K21 is particularly known for its impressive collection of installation art, site-specific works, and conceptual art, with a significant number of pieces created specifically for the museum's space.
• Some of the artists featured in the collection include Olafur Eliasson, Andreas Gursky, Gerhard Richter, Joseph Beuys, James Turrell, and Thomas Schütte, among many others. These works reflect the breadth and diversity of contemporary art, from immersive installations to thought-provoking conceptual pieces.

The Glass Dome

• The glass dome, added during the museum's renovation, is a focal point of the building. It serves as a light-filled atrium that connects the various levels of the museum. The dome provides dramatic views of the surrounding city and creates an airy, open atmosphere throughout the museum.
• The dome is also a central feature in many of the museum’s temporary exhibitions and is sometimes used as an installation space itself.

Contemporary Art and Installations

• K21 is widely known for its emphasis on experiential and interactive art. Many of its exhibitions invite visitors to engage directly with the artwork, offering a more immersive and participatory museum experience.
• A notable highlight in the museum’s collection is the "Aqua Scene" by Olafur Eliasson, a large-scale installation that creates an illusion of water moving through the museum’s atrium. This work, along with other installations, plays with light, space, and perception, creating a sensory experience for visitors.

Notable Exhibitions

• K21 regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of contemporary art movements and trends. These exhibitions often feature experimental work and emerging artists, pushing the boundaries of what contemporary art can be.
• The museum has featured immersive installations, large-scale sculptures, and performance art, all designed to engage visitors in new and innovative ways.
• Notable past exhibitions have included major solo shows by artists like Anselm Kiefer, Jeff Koons, and Cindy Sherman, alongside thematic exhibitions exploring important trends in contemporary art.

Museum as an Experience

• The museum itself is designed to be an immersive environment where art is not only viewed but also experienced. It often features interactive installations, sound art, and video projections that transform the museum into a dynamic space of constant change.
• One of the most well-known installations is "The Matter of Time" by Richard Serra, a large-scale piece that invites visitors to walk through twisting, curved steel walls.
• The museum’s approach emphasizes the importance of experiential engagement, encouraging visitors to explore art through multiple senses.

Museum Café and Shop

• After touring the galleries, visitors can relax at the museum café, which offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals in a modern and comfortable setting. The café is a great place to reflect on the exhibitions or socialize with other visitors.
• The museum shop features a range of art-related books, prints, and unique items inspired by the exhibits. It's an excellent place to pick up a memento or dive deeper into the world of contemporary art.

Visitor Experience

• Opening Hours: K21 is typically open daily except for Mondays. Check the museum’s official website for the most up-to-date information on hours, as they can vary during special exhibitions or holidays.
• Ticket Prices: Entry to K21 is relatively affordable, with discounted rates available for students, seniors, and groups. Some special exhibitions may have an additional charge.
• Accessibility: The museum is easily accessible by public transport, including trams and buses. It is located near Düsseldorf's Stadtmitte (City Center), making it an easy destination for visitors exploring the city.
• Family-Friendly: The museum is family-friendly and often hosts activities and workshops for children, encouraging young visitors to interact with art in creative ways.

Conclusion

K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is an essential destination for anyone interested in contemporary art. With its impressive collection of modern and experimental artworks, unique architecture, and engaging exhibitions, it provides a dynamic and immersive art experience. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual visitor, K21’s innovative approach to art makes it a must-see museum in Düsseldorf. Its focus on installation art, interactive exhibitions, and cutting-edge design makes it a vibrant cultural hub in the city.