TOP 10 HIGHLIGHT EXHIBITIONS IN THE RHINELAND AND SURROUNDING REGIONS

Experience the multifaceted, captivating, and fascinating Rhineland Art Scene.

Düsseldorf, Cologne, Bonn, and the surrounding areas boast a vibrant art scene that promises endless fascination for enthusiasts. From classical paintings and sculptural masterpieces to dynamic, performative installations, the Rhineland showcases its rich diversity like never before. In our exclusive guide, we unveil the top 10 highlight exhibitions from the region, inviting you to embark on an exhilarating journey of discovery.

Written by Jakob Stötzel 

HILMA AF KLINT AND WASSILY KANDINSKY – DREAMS OF THE FUTURE
K20 FROM MARCH 16 TO AUGUST 11, 2024 KUNSTSAMMLUNG NORDRHEIN-WESTFALEN, DÜSSELDORF

For the first time ever, the visionary works of Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky will intertwine with those of Swedish painter Hilma af Klint in a groundbreaking survey exhibition. Both artists sought to transcend mere painting styles through their abstract art, aiming to forge entirely new artistic realms. This exhibition presents a unique opportunity to juxtapose and compare their revolutionary perspectives.

Hosted at K20 of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, the exhibition welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. For more details on visiting this remarkable showcase, please refer to the provided link.

MIKE KELLEY – GHOST AND SPIRIT
K21 FROM MARCH 23 TO SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 KUNSTSAMMLUNG NORDRHEIN-WESTFALEN, DÜSSELDORF

In partnership with the Tate Modern in London, the Pinault Collection in Paris, and the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen proudly presents a comprehensive retrospective of the pioneering American artist Mike Kelley at K21. Renowned for his experimental, lavish, and unsettling creations, Kelley boldly challenged social norms from the late 1970s onwards, leaving behind a distinctive body of work.

Explore the daring world of Mike Kelley at K21 of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. For further details on visiting this extraordinary exhibition, please refer to the provided link.

TONY CRAGG – PLEASE TOUCH!
FROM FEBRUARY 22 TO MAY 26, 2024 AT THE MUSEUM KUNSTPALAST, DÜSSELDORF

Embark on a unique art experience with the exhibition by English sculptor Tony Cragg at the Museum Kunstpalast. Departing from traditional exhibitions where artworks remain untouched for preservation, ‘Please touch!’ encourages visitors to engage tactilely with the sculptures, inviting you to explore through touch.

The Kunstpalast welcomes visitors daily, except Mondays, from 11 am to 6 pm. For more details on experiencing this innovative exhibition, please refer to the provided link.

THE HANIEL COLLECTION – YOUR OWN PATH
FROM DECEMBER 5 TO MAY 5, 2024 AT THE MUSEUM KÜPPERSMÜHLE FÜR MODERNE KUNST, DUISBURG

For the first time ever, Duisburg will host an exhibition showcasing approximately 100 works from the esteemed Haniel Collection, featuring major pieces by artists like Georg Baselitz, K.O. Götz, and Gerhard Richter. Assembled by the Duisburg-based family business, this collection stands as a testament to its remarkable quality and significant role in art history. The collection’s large-scale, gestural, and abstract works offer a captivating journey through the artistic landscape of the German post-war avant-garde to the contemporary era.

The MKM Museum Küppersmühle welcomes visitors Thursday through Sunday, including public holidays, from 11 am to 6 pm. On Wednesdays, the museum operates from 2 pm to 6 pm. Discover more about visiting this exceptional exhibition here.

“IMAGES IN MIND, BODIES IN SPACE” – FRANZ ERHARD WALTHER
FROM MARCH 22 TO JULY 28, 2024 AT THE BUNDESKUNSTHALLE, BONN

In celebration of his 85th birthday, the Bundeskunsthalle is preparing a landmark retrospective on the renowned German artist Franz Erhard Walther. Known for his innovative concept, installation and precess art, Walther’s work underscores the transient nature of human action. Through interactive engagement with select exhibits, visitors have the unique opportunity to become integral components of the artwork itself.

The Bundeskunsthalle welcomes guests Tuesday through Sunday, including public holidays, from 10 am to 7 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Wednesdays. For more details on experiencing this exceptional exhibition, please refer to the provided link.

LYNN HERSHMAN LEESON – ARE OUR EYES TARGETS?
FROM APRIL 10 TO FEBRUARY 2, 2025 AT THE JULIA STOSCHEK FOUNDATION, DÜSSELDORF

The Julia Stoschek Foundation debuts the inaugural solo exhibition of esteemed American artist and media pioneer, Lynn Hershman Leeson, in Düsseldorf. Showcasing a collection of photographic works alongside masterful mixed-media installations, the exhibition promises a captivating exploration. At its core lies the monumental six-channel video installation, ‘The Electronic Diaries of Lynn Hershman Leeson 1984-2019’, which provocatively challenges notions of truth through self-reflection and the transformative power of imagery.

The Julia Stoschek Foundation will reopen its doors on April 10th. For further details on experiencing this groundbreaking exhibition, please visit the provided link.

LONG TIME, LUNG TIME CONTINUUUUM!!! (A CONVER-SOMETHING)
FROM 24 FEBRUARY TO 20 MAY 2024 IN KIT – KUNST IM TUNNEL, DÜSSELDORF

In its third collaborative effort, the IMAI – Inter Media Art Institute and the KIT embark on a compelling project, commencing with an invitation extended to artist Simnikiwe Buhlungu to delve into the history and collection policy of the IMAI archive. The resulting exhibition is rich with allusions to experimental video art from the 1970s and 1980s, interwoven with influences from the Rhineland post-punk and new wave music movements. Through immersive video installations, visitors are invited to embark on a multi-sensory voyage of discovery.

The KIT awaits your visit from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. For more details regarding your experience at the exhibition, please refer to the provided link.

RONI HORN – GIVE ME PARADOX OR GIVE ME DEATH
VOM 23 MÄRZ BIS 11 AUGUST 2024 IM MUSEUM LUDWIG, KÖLN

The remarkable survey exhibition ‘Roni Horn: Give Me Paradox or Give Me Death’ showcases the works of American artist Roni Horn, offering a comprehensive overview of her oeuvre from the late 1970s to the present day. Featuring drawings, photographs, artist’s books, and installations, the exhibition delves into Horn’s fundamental concept: the ever-changing nature of the world where everything holds the potential to adopt different states and meanings. Touching upon themes of identity, nature, and language, the Museum Ludwig presents a magnificent exhibition whose relevance resonates more profoundly than ever.

The Museum Ludwig welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm every first Thursday of the month. For further information on experiencing this significant exhibition, please visit the provided link.

ULRIKE MÜLLER – MONUMENT TO MY PAPER BODY
FROM DECEMBER 9 TO JUNE 9, 2024 JUNE 2024 LUDWIG FORUM AACHEN, AACHEN

Tailored specifically for the Light Tower of the Ludwig Forum Aachen, an invitation extended to New York-based artist Ulrike Müller sets the stage for a captivating site-specific intervention. The resulting complex murals, namely ‘Paper Body (ghost)’ and ‘Paper Body (pointer)’, created in 2023, offer compelling visual experiences. Moreover, the exhibition showcases an extensive array of painterly and spatial techniques, deftly playing with the interplay of proportions and material combinations.

The Ludwig Forum Aachen invites visitors Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Thursdays. For additional details regarding your visit to this extraordinary exhibition, please refer to the provided link.

THANK GOD GOD IS DEAD – MONTY RICHTHOFEN
FROM APRIL 7 TO MAY 26, 2024 AT THE NAK – NEUER AACHENER KUNSTVEREIN, AACHEN

In his latest exhibition titled “THANK GOD GOD IS DEAD,” Monty Richthofen, also known as Maison Hefner, unveils works from his recent creative endeavors, alongside a groundbreaking multimedia installation making its public debut. Blurring the boundaries between text and imagery, the exhibition beckons viewers into an introspective realm. Inspired by the exhibition’s provocative title, Richthofen’s pieces serve not only as a contemplation of impermanence but also as an artistic manifesto against the societal detachment from mortality in Western culture.

The Neuer Aachener Kunstverein welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 2 pm to 6 pm. For further details on experiencing this thought-provoking exhibition, please refer to the provided link.