Who could have foreseen such a remarkable journey for a collection of art? The K20 – Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen stands before us, a testament to the power of vision and the enduring allure of creativity. Its story begins, not within these sleek walls, but across the Atlantic, with a Pittsburgh steel magnate named G. David Thompson. In 1960, his collection of 88 Paul Klee masterpieces formed the nucleus of what would become the Kunstsammlung. This acquisition, brokered by Basel art dealer Ernst Beyeler, marked the birth of an institution. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia established the Kunstsammlung in 1961, initially housed in the Jägerhof Palace. It quickly outgrew this space, necessitating a new home.
The K20 building, with its distinctive black granite façade, opened in 1986 at Grabbeplatz. The design, by the Danish firm Dissing+Weitling, became a city landmark. This architectural marvel houses a treasure trove of 20th and 21st-century art. The collection’s scope extends from classical modernism to contemporary works. Inside, you can encounter iconic pieces by Picasso, Matisse, and Mondrian. The K20 boasts a comprehensive collection of around 100 Klee paintings and drawings. Imagine standing before Picasso’s works, tracing the evolution of his artistic genius across various periods. Or perhaps losing yourself in the vibrant canvases of American postwar artists like Pollock, Warhol, and Rauschenberg. The museum also features notable works by German artists like Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter.
In 2002, the Kunstsammlung expanded with the opening of the K21 Ständehaus. This former parliament building, now crowned with a glass dome, hosts large-scale installations and artist’s rooms. A third venue, the Schmela Haus, joined in 2009, serving as a space for exhibitions and lectures. The K20 underwent a major renovation and expansion, reopening in 2010 with even more space to showcase its remarkable collection. A colorful mosaic mural by Sarah Morris, titled “Hornet,” graces the newly created Paul Klee Platz behind the K20, adding another layer of artistic expression to the museum’s surroundings. The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen isn’t just a collection of art. It is a living testament to the evolution of artistic expression. From its humble beginnings with a Klee collection, it has blossomed into a world-renowned institution, inviting us to explore the vibrant tapestry of modern and contemporary art. Its three venues, each with its own distinct character, offer a rich and multifaceted artistic experience.