Kunstmuseum Ravensburg

In the heart of Upper Swabia, nestled within the charming city of Ravensburg, lies a gem of modern and contemporary art: the Kunstmuseum Ravensburg. This museum, a beacon of culture and creativity, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world of artistic expression and architectural brilliance.

The Origins of Kunstmuseum Ravensburg

The Kunstmuseum Ravensburg has its roots in the Städtische Galerie Ravensburg, which showcased exhibitions in the Old Theatre at Gespinstmarkt until 2011. The decision to establish a new art museum was made by the city council in May 2009, sparking considerable public debate, particularly regarding the financing method. The city agreed to rent the building for 30 years from a developer, a move that was met with mixed reactions.

In February 2010, the Friends of the Kunstmuseum Ravensburg e.V. association was founded to support the museum. The Kunstmuseum Ravensburg officially opened its doors on March 8, 2013, inaugurated by the Minister of State for Culture, Bernd Neumann. The opening weekend saw an impressive turnout of around 6,000 visitors, and by June 2013, the museum had welcomed 27,000 art enthusiasts. In its first year alone, the museum attracted 60,000 visitors, establishing itself as a cultural hub in the region.

Architectural Marvel

The Kunstmuseum Ravensburg stands as a testament to innovative architecture and sustainable design. The building, designed by the Stuttgart-based architectural firm Lederer+Ragnarsdóttir+Oei, is the world's first museum constructed as a passive house. This eco-friendly design boasts an energy requirement of just 15 kWh per square meter per year.

The museum's exterior is a striking blend of old and new, featuring a largely windowless double-shell wall. The inner wall is a load-bearing concrete structure, insulated with 24 cm of thermal insulation, and clad in reclaimed bricks from a demolished Belgian monastery. The top floor is distinguished by visible vaults on the facade, with the roof divided into opposing trapezoidal sections topped with frustum-shaped brick vaults. This unique design creates an alternating pattern of smaller and larger arches along the facade's upper edge.

For its architectural excellence, the museum building received several prestigious awards, including the German Architecture Prize, the DAM Prize for Architecture in Germany, and the Hugo-Häring Prize from the Association of German Architects in Baden-Württemberg in 2014.

A Cultural Quarter

Situated in Ravensburg's historic old town on Burgstraße, the Kunstmuseum Ravensburg is part of a vibrant cultural quarter. It stands alongside the Museum Ravensburger, which opened in 2010, and is in close proximity to the Humpis-Quartier Museum, which opened in 2009. Together with the Ravensburg Economic Museum, which opened in 2012, these institutions form a rich tapestry of cultural and historical exploration.

Leadership and Vision

The Kunstmuseum Ravensburg has been guided by visionary leaders since its inception. Nicole Fritz, an art and cultural scientist and curator, served as the founding director. In March 2018, Ute Stuffer took over the reins, continuing to steer the museum towards new heights of artistic achievement and public engagement.

Accolades and Recognition

The Kunstmuseum Ravensburg has garnered significant recognition for its contributions to the art world. In 2014, it was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA). In November 2015, the German section of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA) named it the Museum of the Year, a testament to its outstanding exhibitions and cultural impact.

Collections and Exhibitions

The museum's core collection is a long-term loan from the Peter and Gudrun Selinka Foundation, featuring works of Expressionism and pieces from the CoBrA and SPUR artist groups. The Kunstmuseum Ravensburg showcases a dynamic mix of presentations from the Selinka Collection and rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

The opening exhibition in 2013, titled Appassionata – The Selinka Collection in Dialogue, featured notable works by artists such as Pierre Alechinsky, Karel Appel, Otto Dix, Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Gabriele Münter, and many others. Subsequent exhibitions have continued to draw art lovers from near and far, with highlights including shows dedicated to Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Pechstein, Stephan Balkenhol, Egon Schiele, and the artistic duo Gert and Uwe Tobias.

In conclusion, the Kunstmuseum Ravensburg is more than just a museum; it is a vibrant cultural institution that celebrates the power of art to inspire, challenge, and connect us. Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, a trip to this museum promises a rich and rewarding experience, set against the backdrop of Ravensburg's picturesque old town.