MARTa Herford

In the heart of Herford, a small town in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, lies an architectural marvel that has become a beacon of contemporary art and culture: MARTa Herford. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, this museum is not just a home for modern art but a masterpiece in itself, blending art, design, and architecture in a way that captivates and inspires.

The Vision Behind MARTa Herford

MARTa Herford, originally known as Marta Herford, is more than just a museum. The name MARTa is an acronym that stands for Museum, ART, and ambiance or architecture, reflecting the institution's commitment to integrating these elements. Opened in 2005, the museum was the brainchild of the Belgian curator Jan Hoet, who envisioned a space dedicated to contemporary art with a special focus on design and architecture.

The museum's establishment was part of a broader initiative to strengthen the economic and cultural landscape of Herford, a town with a rich history in the furniture industry. The idea of creating a House of Furniture evolved into a more ambitious project, culminating in the construction of MARTa Herford, a place where the boundaries between art, design, and architecture blur.

Architectural Brilliance

Frank Gehry's design for MARTa Herford is nothing short of spectacular. The building, constructed from red brick and stainless steel, resembles a colossal sculpture with its undulating forms and dynamic curves. The asymmetrical structure, devoid of windows on the street-facing side, features a series of convex and concave elements that create a sense of movement and fluidity.

One of the most striking features of the building is its wavy roofs, which incorporate light shafts that illuminate the museum's interior. These shafts, reminiscent of broken smokestacks on ocean liners, add a unique character to the structure. At the heart of the building is a 22-meter-high dome, around which five galleries of varying heights are arranged. The entrance area, made of glass and stainless steel, welcomes visitors into a space where the walls and ceilings continue the theme of curves and waves.

Exploring the Museum

Inside MARTa Herford, visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibitions that showcase contemporary art, design, and architecture. The museum's 2,500 square meters of exhibition space provide ample room for large-scale installations and innovative displays. The galleries are designed to offer a dynamic experience, with each space presenting a new perspective on the relationship between art and its environment.

One of the highlights of a visit to MARTa Herford is the Lippold Gallery, located in the part of the building that was once a textile factory. This space, named after the architect Walter Lippold who designed the original factory building, now hosts exhibitions that bridge the past and present, connecting the museum's contemporary focus with the site's industrial heritage.

Artistic and Cultural Hub

MARTa Herford is not just a museum but a vibrant cultural hub. The museum's programming includes a variety of events, from film screenings and lectures to concerts and workshops. The Forum, a versatile space within the museum, serves as a venue for these activities, fostering a lively exchange of ideas and creativity.

Supporting the museum's mission is the Marta Freunde & Förderer e.V., a friends and supporters association with around 500 members. This group plays a crucial role in promoting the museum's activities and ensuring its continued success as a center for contemporary art and culture.

Architectural Landmarks and Outdoor Art

As you explore the area around MARTa Herford, you'll encounter several intriguing outdoor artworks. Among them is a stainless steel sphere by the artist Luciano Fabro, which forms part of a ground sculpture that runs along Goebenstraße, the street in front of the museum. This installation, inspired by a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, adds another layer of artistic expression to the museum's surroundings.

Nearby, the Elsbachhaus, a historic building that once housed a shirt factory, now serves as a cultural and commercial space, further enriching the MARTa quarter. This area, which includes a music school, a new IntercityHotel, and various dining and residential facilities, has become a vibrant district that reflects the museum's influence on the local community.

Visitor Information

For those planning a visit, MARTa Herford is conveniently located just 300 meters from Herford's main train station, making it easily accessible by public transport. The museum's café and bookshop offer a relaxing spot to unwind and reflect on the art you've experienced, while the nearby Käte-Elsbach-Platz provides a tranquil outdoor space named in memory of a local figure.

In conclusion, MARTa Herford is more than just a museum; it's a testament to the transformative power of art and architecture. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a design aficionado, or simply curious, a visit to MARTa Herford promises to be an unforgettable experience that challenges and delights in equal measure.