The Museum Folkwang in Essen is one of the most important art museums in Germany - with outstanding collections of classical modernism, photography and contemporary positions. Since 2019, the permanent exhibition entitled New Worlds has presented the numerous works in surprising constellations of painting, photography, sculpture and graphic art.
The museum buildings combine existing historical buildings with modern architecture in a special way: the old building from the 1950s, built after the Second World War with spacious inner courtyards and glass surfaces, was extended in 2010 with a new building by David Chipperfield. The elegant glass façades, light gray travertine elements and four light-flooded inner courtyards allow art objects to appear in natural light and enable views between the street, foyer and galleries.
The collection comprises around 600 paintings and 280 sculptures - from Impressionism and Expressionism to the present day, with works of art by van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, Kandinsky, Max Beckmann and Gerhard Richter. Photographs and prints with a total of over 12,000 works also make the museum an international destination for photography enthusiasts. The museum is also particularly hospitable: all visitor areas are barrier-free, the museum foyer with its café and museum store invites visitors to linger, and the multifunctional hall offers a variety of educational formats - from lectures to digitally guided tours.
View of the museum © Museum Folkswang
With free access to the collection and numerous special exhibitions, the Museum Folkwang is a lively meeting place for art, culture and the public. Embedded in the so-called Essen Culture Trail - marked by glowing blue cobblestones - the museum effectively links art and the city center.
A visit to the Museum Folkwang promises intense art experiences, architectural clarity and a lively encounter with art history - an inspiring place in the heart of the Ruhr region.
