Museum Küppersmühle

Located in the heart of Duisburg's Inner Harbor, the Museum Küppersmühle (officially Museum Küppersmühle für Moderne Kunst) is a mesmerizing blend of industrial heritage and contemporary art. This unique museum, housed in a former grain mill, offers visitors an extraordinary journey through modern German art, set against the backdrop of an architectural masterpiece.

The History of Museum Küppersmühle

The story of Museum Küppersmühle begins in 1860 when a milling company established a mill on this very site. By 1908, the original mill was replaced by a new, three-winged structure that stood seven stories tall. The mill underwent further expansions in 1912, including the addition of a western annex with a freestanding boiler house and chimney. In 1934, the iconic 42.75-meter-high steel silos were added to the eastern side, giving the building its distinctive appearance.

The mill operated successfully for many years, supplying flour to numerous clients, including the Beecker Brotfabrik Overbeck, which itself has become a site of artistic and cultural significance. The mill was renamed Küppersmühle in 1969 following its merger with the Küpperswerke in Homberg. However, by 1972, the mill ceased operations, and the building faced the threat of demolition. Thanks to a civic initiative, the historic structure was preserved, paving the way for its transformation into a museum.

The Birth of the Museum

In 1999, the Museum Küppersmühle opened its doors, offering 3,600 square meters of exhibition space within the former grain storage facility. The transformation of the building was masterminded by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, who skillfully blended the industrial past with the modern aesthetic. The museum project was initiated by Duisburg art collector Hans Grothe, whose collection included over 800 works by more than 40 German artists.

Since then, the museum's collection has expanded significantly, thanks to the contributions of collectors Sylvia and Ulrich Ströher. Today, the Museum Küppersmühle boasts one of the most extensive collections of post-war German art, featuring works from the 1950s to the present day. Visitors can explore pieces by influential artists such as Hanne Darboven, Georg Baselitz, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, and many others.

Exploring the Museum

As you step into the Museum Küppersmühle, you are immediately struck by the harmonious blend of old and new. The industrial charm of the former mill is preserved in the exposed brick walls, steel beams, and towering silos, while the modern galleries provide a pristine setting for the art on display. The museum's permanent collection is a testament to the diversity and dynamism of German art, with rotating exhibitions ensuring that there is always something new to discover.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts up to four temporary exhibitions each year. These range from retrospectives of renowned artists to thematic group exhibitions and presentations of current trends in the art world. The Akademos series, for example, showcases the work of professors from the Düsseldorf Art Academy, while the annual Youth Interprets Art/Deutsche Bank Foundation Youth Art Prize competition highlights the talents of young artists from across Germany.

The Expansion Project

The Museum Küppersmühle's commitment to growth and innovation is evident in its ambitious expansion project. In 2008, the museum's operator, Stiftung für Kunst und Kultur e. V. Bonn, approved plans by Herzog & de Meuron to add a new extension. The design concept, reminiscent of the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, involved placing a seemingly floating cube atop the steel silos. This new structure would provide an additional 2,000 square meters of exhibition space across two floors, creating 22 new rooms for art display.

However, the project faced significant challenges, including construction issues and financial difficulties. In 2011, work on the extension was halted due to structural defects in the steel framework, leading to the insolvency of the responsible construction companies. Despite these setbacks, the project was revived in 2014 with the establishment of the MKM Foundation by Sylvia and Ulrich Ströher. Construction resumed in 2016, and the new extension was finally completed in 2021.

A New Era for Museum Küppersmühle

The completion of the expansion marks a new chapter for the Museum Küppersmühle. The additional space allows for a more comprehensive display of the Ströher collection, which includes around 1,500 works of German art from the 1950s to the present. The new extension seamlessly connects with the original building, creating a continuous flow of exhibition spaces that enhance the visitor experience.

One of the highlights of the expansion is the silo tract, which is now accessible to visitors for the first time. Plans are also in place to create an observation platform atop the silos, offering panoramic views of Duisburg's Inner Harbor and beyond. This unique vantage point will undoubtedly become a popular attraction, providing a stunning perspective on the city's industrial heritage and modern transformation.

In conclusion, the Museum Küppersmühle is more than just a museum; it is a celebration of art, architecture, and history. Its journey from a grain mill to a world-class art institution is a testament to the power of preservation and innovation. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for an inspiring cultural experience, a visit to the Museum Küppersmühle is sure to leave a lasting impression.