Edwin Scharff Museum

Located in the charming town of Neu-Ulm in Bavaria, Germany, the Edwin Scharff Museum, officially known as Edwin Scharff Museum und Städtische Sammlungen Neu-Ulm, is a cultural gem that offers a unique blend of art and interactive exhibits. This museum is not merely a repository of art but a vibrant space where history, creativity, and education converge, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers, families, and curious minds alike.

The History of Edwin Scharff Museum

The story of the Edwin Scharff Museum begins in 1977 when the Edwin-Scharff-Haus, a congress and event center located on Silcherstraße, first showcased a collection of works by the renowned artist Edwin Scharff. This initial collection included around 25 oil paintings, 20 small and 10 large sculptures, and approximately 300 drawings. However, it wasn’t until 1999 that the museum found a permanent home at Petrusplatz, in a building that once served as a local tax office constructed in 1902.

The neobaroque corner building underwent significant renovations starting in 1994, and by 1999, it was ready to house the museum. The city of Neu-Ulm invested around 4.6 million euros to connect this historic building with a modern extension, creating a spacious venue with over 800 square meters of exhibition space. Initially, this new space also hosted the Archaeological Museum Neu-Ulm until 2008. In 2009, following the relocation of the archaeological exhibits, the Edwin Scharff Museum expanded further, incorporating the additional space to enhance its offerings.

From 2016 to 2018, the museum underwent extensive renovations to modernize its facilities and improve accessibility. These efforts were supported by funding from the Bavarian State Office for Non-State Museums, ensuring that the museum could continue to serve a diverse audience. Today, the museum encompasses 1,400 square meters of exhibition space, managed by the Municipal Collections of Neu-Ulm, and is a proud member of the German Museums Association.

Exploring the Art Museum

The Edwin Scharff Museum, founded in 1999, is dedicated to the art of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the works of Edwin Scharff, a native of Neu-Ulm. The museum's permanent collection provides a comprehensive overview of Scharff’s artistic legacy, featuring sculptures, paintings, and documents that highlight his contributions to modern art. With around 9,000 of his works in its collection, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look at Scharff's creative journey.

In addition to Scharff’s works, the museum also showcases approximately 50 pieces by the abstract painter Ernst Geitlinger. The museum is known for its dynamic programming, regularly hosting temporary exhibitions that explore various facets of classical modern art. Past exhibitions have featured contemporaries and trailblazers of Scharff such as Max Klinger, Franz von Stuck, Georg Kolbe, Ernst Barlach, Käthe Kollwitz, and Wilhelm Lehmbruck.

Recent exhibitions have delved into diverse themes and artists, such as the 2024 exhibition Gustav Seitz – Figure & Sensation, and The Molls and the Purrmanns – Two Modern Artist Couples, which highlighted works by Marg Moll, Oskar Moll, Mathilde Vollmoeller-Purrmann, and Hans Purrmann. Other notable exhibitions include The Nature of Nature. Two Centuries of Perceived Art – The Andreas Gerritzen Collection (2023) and Jacoba van Heemskerck – Uncompromisingly Modern (2022).

The Children's Museum

One of the most delightful aspects of the Edwin Scharff Museum is its Children's Museum, established in the summer of 2009. This interactive space is designed to engage young minds through hands-on exhibits and activities that cover a wide range of topics beyond art. The exhibitions are tailored to suit the interests and developmental stages of children and adolescents, making learning a fun and immersive experience.

The Children's Museum hosts annual or biennial exhibitions that explore various societal, cultural, and scientific themes. Past exhibitions have covered topics such as family, death, the human body, and globalization. Noteworthy exhibitions include Tell Me Something About Death! (2022), an interactive exploration of life and death, and Architecturally – Constructions by Humans & Animals (2019), which examined the architectural marvels of both humans and animals.

The museum's innovative approach to education was recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic when it received the Small Budget special prize at the DigAMus Award for its digital educational offerings during the lockdown.

In conclusion, the Edwin Scharff Museum is more than just an art museum; it is a cultural hub that celebrates creativity, history, and education. Whether you are an art enthusiast eager to explore the works of Edwin Scharff and other modern artists, or a family looking for an engaging and educational outing, the Edwin Scharff Museum offers something for everyone. Its rich history, diverse exhibitions, and interactive children's museum make it an essential stop on any visit to Neu-Ulm.