Whispers of artistic innovation echo within these walls. We are standing before Sammlung Philara. It is a hidden gem in Düsseldorf’s Flingern district. This contemporary art collection is housed in a former glass factory. The Sammlung Philara is not just a museum. It is a vibrant space where local emerging artists meet international luminaries.
Gil Bronner, a real estate agent with a passion for art, began building this collection in the mid-1990s. He focused on supporting artists connected to the Düsseldorf Art Academy. In 2006, Bronner acquired the former Leitz factory. He established studios for about seventy local artists. Many came directly from the Art Academy. Exhibitions in the same building became self-perpetuating events.
The Sammlung Philara grew organically. Bronner acquired works from these exhibitions. This documented past shows and expanded his collection. Emerging talents met established Düsseldorf artists. Thomas Ruff, Katharina Fritsch and Andreas Gursky are some of them. International artists like Alicja Kwade and Kris Martin also feature. Since 2008, Bronner has presented works from his collection. Initially, there were three, and later five, exhibitions per year.
Over two decades, Gil Bronner’s collection has grown. Many works were acquired from galleries near the collection’s new home. This new space is hidden in a rear courtyard. It was once a glass factory. The significant area of 1,700 square meters is submerged into the surrounding structures. This makes it nearly invisible from the outside.
Sieber Architects skillfully converted the former glass factory. They created smaller and larger exhibition halls. Katharina Klang was the founding director. There are living spaces for artists and a café. A 550 square meter sculpture terrace sits on the roof. It was once a derelict industrial space.
Most halls vary in height from 5 to 9 meters. Some enjoy natural light. Rooms are dedicated to the permanent exhibition. Some are designed for specific installations. Artists like Freeman & Lowe and Tomàs Saraceno have installations here.
Sammlung Philara is a public exhibition space for international contemporary art. It displays solo exhibitions and thematic group exhibitions. Gil Bronner’s collection includes over 1,800 works. Philara supports local emerging artists. It also supports internationally renowned artists. The collection fosters interdisciplinary perspectives. Theater performances, concerts and talks are held here. These happen in cooperation with various institutions.
The architecture has won two architectural prizes. The café is run by the artisan bakery Bulle Bistro. It turns into a wine bar at night. The Cary & Dan-Georg Bronner Foundation sponsors the Philara Collection.
You can explore the Sammlung Philara on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Pay what you wish for entry. Guided tours are available in multiple languages. These include German, English, French, Ukrainian, and Russian. The DüsseldorfFanCard offers a 50% discount on guided tours.
Sammlung Philara slows down your perception of art. It encourages you to savor each piece. It offers a unique and intimate experience. It is a testament to one man’s passion. It showcases the power of contemporary art. It supports the creative community. It is a place where art comes alive.