Gelsenkirchen City Museum
In 1950 the city of Gelsenkirchen passed a resolution to systematically build up a municipal collection of art. It was a collection from scratch because apart from a few objects put together in the 1920s (which later fell into the hands of the national-socialists) no significant collection had ever existed.
The local population at that time included a high proportion of working class people who had had little contact with the plastic arts and so it was decided to introduce modern, avant-garde trends to them step by step. This resulted in a purchasing concept for acquiring art which gave a broad overview of contemporary painting from the 19th century onwards.
Work on the new museum building designed by the architect Albrecht E. Wittig, began in Horster Strasse in 1982. However, during the initial construction phase the planned overall area had to be reduced and due to the city’s financial circumstances at the time, the second phase was deferred indefinitely. The new museum opened in 1984 at 5 – 7 Horster Strasse.
Every summer the museum keeps open house for a series of one day events with a programme of exhibitions, theatrical performances, music, happenings and various creative contributions.
The museum's educational department offers guided tours of collections and exhibitions and there are various programmes for both kindergarten and school children.
A project called ‘Ferien im Museum’ (museum holidays), is currently receiving national recognition. Children and young people are invited to come to the museum during the summer holidays and to take part in creative activities.
Our programme preview gives regular information on current in-house activities, such as concerts and readings. The museum also offers permanently changing special exhibitions.
Entrance is free.
Opening times:
Tuesday – Sunday 11.00 – 18.00 hours.
Address:
Städtisches Museum
Horster Strasse 5 – 7
45897 Gelsenkirchen
Tel: 0209/169-4361
Collections:
approximately 1,300 exhibits (classic modern, constructivism, kinetic art, contemporary art, graphic art collection)
6 – 8 exhibitions per year
art objects in open plan rooms