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KARL ERNST OSTHAUS MUSEUM (former Museum Folkwang) Einführung Hagener Impuls Übersicht Hagener Impuls Hohenhof Hochstraße 73
In 1898, Osthaus decided to found a natural science museum and commissioned the Berlin government architect Carl Gérard to undertake the planning. Gérard designed a three-storey building in neo-Renaissance style. In 1900, when the shell of the building with its historical façade had been constructed, Osthaus realised that his approach was too conventional. In search of fresh inspiration, he discovered the Belgian designer and architect Henry van de Velde (1863-1957). Although it was extremely difficult for van de Velde to integrate his ideas into the existing structure, he developed a new interior design concept which his contemporaries regarded as quite revolutionary.

He covered the iron pillars and girders with stucco; its soft, moulded texture gives the building an organic unity and an overall atmospheric feeling. Under van de Velde's influence, Osthaus also changed the subject of his museum and turned his attention to contemporary art. His collection, which soon became world-renowned, included works by Cézanne, van Gogh, Hodler, Manet, Matisse, Renoir, Rodin, Rohlfs, Seurat and Signac. The Museum Folkwang was opened in the summer of 1902. The "Knabenbrunnen" ("Young Boys' Fountain") by Georges Minne was installed in the fountain hall in 1906 (today replaced by a replica). In 1912, Milly Steger donated the sculptured female head above the main portal.

 

Major reconstruction works in 1992 restored essential elements of the lost interior design so that the lively structure and atmospheric spatial feeling of the museum's unique architecture can be fully appreciated once again.

Visiting hours: Tue-Sun 11.00 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thur 11.00 a.m. - 8 p.m., Mondays closed