Want to explore a treasure trove of art? Then you’ve come to the right place. Right here, in front of you, stands the Grafische Sammlung. It is a hidden gem within Nuremberg’s art scene. Since 1971, this collection has been a repository of graphic arts. In 1994, it joined the network of Nuremberg’s municipal museums. Since 2013, the Grafische Sammlung has been an integral part of the Kunstsammlungen.
The Grafische Sammlung holds over 120,000 objects. These are primarily drawings and printed graphics. This makes it the most extensive collection of visual resources on Nuremberg’s urban history. It complements the written records preserved in the Nuremberg City Archives.
Before this collection was established, a significant number of graphic artworks were given to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum for safekeeping during the 19th and 20th centuries. These works are marked with “St.N.” signatures.
The Grafische Sammlung covers several areas. These include topographic sheets, cultural history, artists’ graphics, and a portrait collection. There is also a special collection dedicated to the after-life of Albrecht Dürer.
The topography collection contains extensive visual material. It focuses on the former imperial city of Nuremberg and its surrounding lands. Its topographic views illustrate the city’s development. They show its evolution from the late 15th century to the present day.
The Grafische Sammlung boasts near-complete holdings. These include the printed graphic works of artists active in Nuremberg. These artists worked from the late 16th century to the present. The collection systematically gathers engravings, woodcuts, etchings, lithographs, watercolors, gouaches, and drawings. Important copper engravers of the 17th and 18th centuries are almost fully represented. These include Johann Alexander Böner and Johann Adam Delsenbach. The etchings of 19th-century artists like Johann Adam Klein and Johann Christoph Erhard are also prominent. The collection includes works by the brothers Georg Christoph and Johann Christoph Jakob Wilder. Nuremberg art from the late 19th and 20th centuries is also well represented.
The portrait collection features engraved portraits. These are primarily of Nuremberg personalities, especially from the imperial city era. It is easily accessible. This is thanks to a dual catalog system. It is organized by both artist names and the names of the depicted individuals.
The Albrecht-Dürer-Haus-Stiftung is part of the Grafische Sammlung. It was established in 1871. This was during the celebrations for Albrecht Dürer’s 400th birthday. Its main goal was to restore the dilapidated Albrecht-Dürer-Haus. It also aimed to make it accessible to the public. Since its redesign in 1971, the foundation’s main task is to acquire artifacts. These artifacts relate to Dürer’s impact and legacy. It also financially supports the Dürer-Haus’s activities.
Since 1971, the foundation has collaborated to create the world’s most comprehensive collection. It is dedicated to the artist’s after-life. The holdings are continuously expanded. The foundation also owns arguably the best Dürer-specific library.
The Grafische Sammlung is currently housed in the former administrative building. It’s located on Äußere Sulzbacher Straße 60 in Nuremberg. The building also houses the city’s painting and sculpture collection. It also has the administration of the Museum Industriekultur.
As a scientific study collection, the Grafische Sammlung does not have a permanent exhibition. To showcase its rich holdings, the collection regularly presents temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions focus on specific themes or individual artists. They are held in the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus. They can also be seen in other municipal museum venues, as well as other institutions.
Since 2003, the Grafische Sammlung and the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus have been under joint management. Since October 2022, the art historian Christine Demele has been in charge.
So, whether you are an art enthusiast or a history buff, the Grafische Sammlung offers a unique glimpse into Nuremberg’s rich cultural heritage. It is a place where art and history converge. Come explore the Grafische Sammlung.