Kunsthalle Bremen

Only a few minutes’ walk away from Bremen’s central market square, the Kunsthalle Bremen’s building has stood in the Wall gardens for over 150 years. The gallery’s private owner is to this day the Kunstverein in Bremen (the Bremen Art Association) founded by the citizens of Bremen in 1823, making it one of the oldest art associations in Germany. With more than 9,000 members, it counts today one of the strongest memberships in Germany. As the city’s most distinguished art and cultural institution, its impact extends far beyond the region. Generous endowments, private donations, bequests by friends of the arts and allocations from the City of Bremen municipality form the basis for the gallery’s successful pursuit of its historic activity. Over the centuries, a rich and diverse collection has been assembled, containing outstanding paintings and sculptures as well as precious holdings of graphic art. Beyond the collection, the Kunsthalle offers a constantly changing series of small- and large-scale exhibitions to visitors as well as an extensive art educational program for all age groups. In 2011 the Kunsthalle re-opened in new splendour, substantially extended and modernized. The two wings of the extension enclose and emphasize the original building of 1849 in a classical style.