After almost three years of renovations, we are reopening our doors and inviting you to rediscover Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945). Our reopening exhibition showcases the artist’s most important drawings, prints, and sculptures in a new arrangement, offering fresh insights into her creative process. The focus is on her female perspective on the challenges of her time. Kollwitz’s message remains as relevant today as ever – her expressive power continues to resonate in the present.
To mark the eightieth anniversary of Kollwitz’s death and the fortieth anniversary of the museum, KOLLWITZ NEU SEHEN (KOLLWITZ SEEN ANEW) focuses on themes that preoccupied her throughout her life, including social inequality, political upheaval, gender roles and the life of women in difficult times. The exhibition deliberately highlights her perspective as a woman and an artist on topics such as motherhood, loss and grief, but also on solidarity and hope. Images addressing issues such as housing shortages, poor working conditions, and the consequences of war and violence underscore the enduring relevance of her work.
A New Dialogue Between Art and Viewer
Self-portrait en face with right hand,
c. 1893/94, chalk, 633 x 488 mm, NT 168.
New permanent loan from a
private collection.
The newly conceived hanging brings the works – including some twenty new acquisitions and ten new permanent loans – into often surprising dialogues. Thematic, technical and motivic references open up new perspectives and connections. KOLLWITZ NEU SEHEN sheds light on the artist’s struggle to find the right technique to convey her message, enabling a deeper understanding of her creative process and oeuvre.
A new multimedia guide provides supplementary information in the form of text, images, audio and video.
New Art Education Tools – Playful, Creative, Informative
Käthe Kollwitz's Virtual Studio -
An Interactive Video and Audio Installation
Under the motto ‘Experience Kollwitz’, we are expanding our educational offerings. New interactive modules encourage visitors to explore her life, work and contemporary history on their own. Highlights include a virtual studio and media stations focusing on intaglio printing and poster art, as well as information on the international reception of Kollwitz’s work. The centrepiece is the refurbished museum workshop with a historic lithographic press.
Be a Part of It!
Join us in celebrating the major exhibition marking the reopening – and enjoy guided tours, events and workshops designed for everyone who wants to know more!
Gallery
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Selbstbildnis mit Studienkollegin, 1889, Feder und Pinsel in Tusche auf dickem Velin, 295 x 270 mm, NT 13.)
Porträt Else Rupp, um 1890, Öl auf Leinwand, 615 x 495 mm. Dauerleihgabe aus dem Nachlass Rautenberg
.)
Selbstbildnis en face mit rechter Hand, um 1893/94, farbige Kreide,
633 x 488 mm, NT 168. Neue Dauerleihgabe aus Privatbesitz.)
Zwei Anstürmende (Losbruch), 1902,
technische Probe zum 5. Blatt des Zyklus „Bauernkrieg“,
Strichätzung, Kaltnadel, Reservage und Schmirgel, 134 x 189 mm, Kn 69.)
Losbruch, Blatt 5 des Zyklus „Bauernkrieg“, 1902/03, Strichätzung, Kaltnadel, Reservage und Vernis mou mit Durchdruck von zwei Stoffen und Zieglerschem Umdruckpapier, 515 x 592 mm, Kn 70 VIII b.)
Entbindung im Frauengefängnis, 1912, schwarze Kreide, gewischt, auf Zeichenpapier, 536 x 704 mm, NT 697.)
Frau mit Orange, 1901, Pinsellithografie und Radierung mit Kohle überarbeitet, auf cremefarbenem Papier, 231 x 112 mm, aufgelegt auf graues, löschblattartiges Papier, Kn 56 II 2.)
Arbeiterfrau (mit dem Ohrring), 1910, Strichätzung, Schmirgel und Vernis mou mit Durchdruck von geripptem Bütten und Zieglerschem Umdruckpapier, Kn 112 V.)
Schwangere Frau, 1910, Strichätzung, Aquatinta, Kaltnadel, Vernis mou mit Durchdruck von Bütten und Zieglerschem Umdruckpapier, 377 x 235 mm, Kn 111 V.)
Plakat „Nieder mit den Abtreibung-Paragraphen!“, 1923, Kreidelithografie (Umdruck), 470 x 435 mm, Kn 198 II.)
Plakat „Nie wieder Krieg“, 1924, Kreide- und Pinsellithografie (Umdruck), 940 x 685 mm, Kn 205 III b.)
Selbstbildnis von vorn, 1922/23, Holzschnitt, 151 x 156 mm, Kn 193 XIV b.