Museum Gunzenhauser

Hidden within Chemnitz, the Museum Gunzenhauser awaits. It’s not just a building. It’s a treasure chest brimming with the vibrant hues and bold strokes of 20th-century modern art. The museum opened its doors in December 2007. German President Horst Köhler himself graced the inauguration, a testament to the museum’s significance. The Museum Gunzenhauser isn’t housed in a newly constructed, sterile space. Its home is a piece of history itself. The building, a former Sparkasse Chemnitz (Savings and loan association), stands as a testament to the New Objectivity style. Constructed between 1928 and 1930, it was one of Chemnitz’s first high-rise buildings. The architect, Fred Otto, intentionally avoided decorative flourishes, letting the building’s clean lines and bright, beige travertine facade speak for themselves. The former tills’ hall, bathed in light from a glass roof, forms the heart of the museum. During renovations, architect Volker Staab masterfully blended the old with the new, preserving the building’s inherent beauty while adapting it to its new purpose. Inside the Museum Gunzenhauser, a vibrant world of expressionist art unfolds. The collection boasts a remarkable array of works, particularly from the Expressionism movement. The heart of this collection pulses with the energy of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel, and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, three artists linked by their Chemnitz roots and their shared membership in the Die Brücke group. The museum also holds one of the world’s most extensive collections of works by Alexej von Jawlensky and Gabriele Münter, prominent members of Der Blaue Reiter. The artistic journey continues with works by other notable figures like Christian Rohlfs, Paula Modersohn-Becker, and Helmut Kolle. A significant portion of the collection is dedicated to the works of Otto Dix, with an impressive 290 pieces. From his early self-portrait in 1912 to his wartime aquarelles and gouaches, the collection traces the evolution of Dix’s artistic vision. The Museum Gunzenhauser’s collection doesn’t end with the early 20th century. It extends its embrace to the post-World War II era, showcasing works by artists like Willi Baumeister, Fritz Winter, Ernst Wilhelm Nay, and many more. This collection, originally amassed by art dealer Dr. Alfred Gunzenhauser, now belongs to the Gunzenhauser Foundation, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for generations to come. The Museum Gunzenhauser isn’t just a static repository of art. It’s a dynamic space where art is not just conserved but communicated and celebrated.