Kunsthaus Meyenburg

The Kunsthaus Meyenburg in Nordhausen, Thuringia, is a hidden gem that art enthusiasts and history buffs alike will find utterly captivating. This museum and exhibition house, nestled in the heart of Nordhausen, boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a diverse collection of art and historical artifacts that span centuries.

The History of Kunsthaus Meyenburg

The origins of Kunsthaus Meyenburg can be traced back to September 1876, when the citizens of Nordhausen established the Städtisches Altertumsmuseum (Municipal Antiquities Museum). Initially housed in a modest room in the Vorhaus of the Höhere Töchterschule (Higher Daughters' School), the museum quickly outgrew its space. In 1878, it moved to the newly inaugurated Volksschule (Public School) at the corner of Taschenberg and Morgenröte, where it was ceremoniously reopened in May 1879.

Over the years, the museum changed locations several times, each move reflecting its growing collection and importance. From the städtische Volksschule in Predigerstraße (1892-1906) to the Töpfertorschule at Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz (1907-1934), the museum continued to evolve. In 1927, with the opening of the Neues Museum (New Museum) in the Villa Becker, the old museum was renamed Altes Museum (Old Museum).

The Villa Becker, built in 1907/08 in the Osterstraße (now Alexander-Puschkin-Straße), is a stunning example of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. Surrounded by a beautiful park, the villa features a tower offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape, including the Kyffhäuser hills. The villa's gables and garden-side terrace add to its charm and elegance. In October 1926, the city acquired the villa, and it was transformed into a municipal museum for period furniture in time for Nordhausen's 1000-year celebration in May 1927.

In 1934, the Altes Museum moved to a villa in Gehege, known as the Lindenhof, where it also served as a local history museum until 1938. During the opening ceremonies of the Lindenhof Museum, the Neues Museum was officially renamed Meyenburg-Museum, in honor of the reformer and former mayor of Nordhausen, Michael Meyenburg.

Due to high maintenance costs, the two museums were merged in 1938. The collections from the Lindenhof Museum were transferred to the Meyenburg-Museum, and the period room collection was dissolved. During this process, the Spätbiedermeierzimmer (Late Biedermeier Room) was given to the theater fund, the Frühbarockzimmer (Early Baroque Room) to the NSDAP district leadership, and the Gründerzeitzimmer (Founders' Period Room) to the city hall.

Tragically, the museum building suffered significant damage during the devastating air raids on Nordhausen in April 1945. Following the American occupation of the city, Nordhausen was left open to looting for a week. Many of the museum's collections were severely depleted, and inventory lists were lost, suggesting that knowledgeable locals were involved in the thefts. Notable losses included large parts of the Nordhausen coin collection, particularly city coins from the 16th and 17th centuries, and the historical chain of office of the Nordhausen mayor, which was repurchased by the city in 2014 and is now displayed in the Flohburg Museum.

After painstaking efforts to reassemble the remaining collections and gradually reopen the museum, the Meyenburg-Museum was officially reopened in May 1950. In 2002, the museum underwent extensive restoration and was transformed into the Kunsthaus Meyenburg, as it is known today.

Exploring Kunsthaus Meyenburg

Visitors to Kunsthaus Meyenburg are in for a treat, as the museum regularly hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both regional and internationally renowned artists. The historical rooms, furnished with period pieces from the 14th to the 19th centuries, provide a unique backdrop for these exhibitions, creating a seamless blend of art and history.

The Kunsthaus Meyenburg also serves as the headquarters of the Ilsetraut-Glock-Grabe Foundation and houses the municipal art collection. This dual role as a museum and exhibition space ensures that there is always something new and exciting to discover.

Notable Exhibitions

Over the years, Kunsthaus Meyenburg has hosted a diverse array of exhibitions, showcasing works by artists such as Francisco de Goya, Salvador Dalí, Käthe Kollwitz, and Otto Pankok. Recent exhibitions include Heimat und Tapeten by Olaf Martens, Glück im Kunsthaus - Komische Kunst von Gerhard Glück, and Los Caprichos, featuring works by Goya and Dalí.

Other notable exhibitions include Gezeichnetes Gewissen - Käthe Kollwitz und Otto Pankok, Horst Janssen - Genie der Grafik, and Abstraktion trifft Realismus, which featured works by William Hogarth, Honoré Daumier, Ernst Barlach, Joan Miró, Horst Janssen, Max Ernst, Otto Dix, Joseph Beuys, and Mac Zimmermann.

One particularly memorable exhibition was Künstlerinnen und Künstler um Caspar David Friedrich, which highlighted the works of artists associated with the renowned German Romantic painter.

A Visit to Remember

Whether you're an art aficionado, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Kunsthaus Meyenburg is a must-visit destination in Nordhausen. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and ever-changing exhibitions make it a captivating and enriching experience for all who visit. So, take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the artistic and historical treasures of Kunsthaus Meyenburg – you won't be disappointed!