Final opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of Kiel

The Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel (CAU) has declared that the Art Gallery of Kiel, known as Kunsthalle Kiel, will undergo a renovation starting from September 25, 2023, and will remain closed until 2028. The decision to close it for 5 years was made in collaboration with the university, the Art Gallery, and the state, after presenting the initial plans and structural measures for the interim period.

“In addition, renovations have become necessary to ensure fire safety, occupational health and safety, to improve the general structure of the building and accessibility for disabled people, as well as to satisfy changes to spatial requirements“, – explains CAU Chancellor Claudia Ricarda Meyer on the CAU website.

The Schleswig-Holstein Art Association will work with the museum to develop activities during its closure. Activities will involve exhibitions and events at different venues in Kiel and digital formats. The museum director, Anette Hüsch, said they will announce more details about this program later in the year.

The total estimated cost for the restoration of the historical building is approximately 49.5 million euros. Almost 19.5 million euros was granted from the KulturInvest program by the German Bundestag’s budget committee in September 2022. Around 30 million euros will be sourced from the state’s IMPULS program, which focuses on modernizing infrastructure. The CAU will bear the remaining costs that are not eligible for funding.

What is currently on display at the museum?

The museum will remain accessible to visitors until September 25, 2023. Currently, it features exhibitions on two floors showcasing paintings, graphics, and sculptures:

• “The Wild, the Weird, and the Wonderful“. Through depictions of flora, landscapes, and the use of ephemeral organic materials, the exhibition showcases how artists explore the multifaceted connections between nature and humanity.
• The graphics. A collection of the most remarkable prints of Lovis Corinth. The artist delved into mythological and biblical themes through the use of classical genres, including landscapes and portaiture. The exhibition will take place until May 28, 2023.
• A collection of ancient sculptures. The first floor of the museum is exlusively devoted to antique sculptures, busts, and vases.

The Art Gallery of Kiel is owned by CAU and houses the Schleswig-Holstein Art Association, established in 1843. It was built as a daylight museum in 1909 and reconstructed in 1958 after WWII. In 1980s the museum was extended and got a new entrance section in 2012. The building is now a listed monument.

Museum opening hours:

Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday: closed

Students of Fachhochschule Kiel can enter the museum for free by presenting their student ID. More information about the current exhibitions and events can be found on the Kiel Kunsthalle website.