The History of Museum Wiesbaden
Museum Wiesbaden operates as a two-branch institution dedicated to art and natural history in the Hessian capital of Wiesbaden, Germany. It holds a position as one of the five Hessian State museums. The foundations of these collections began in the 18th century through the efforts of the private collector Johann Isaac von Gerning. His holdings included significant natural history specimens, some of which were brought from Suriname by the scientist and artist Marian Sibylla Merian.
The development of the museum continued through the early 19th century, driven by the initiative of an active group of the city’s citizens. This period saw the establishment of three distinct entities: the Nassau Association for Antiquity and Historical Research, the Nassau Society for Natural History, and the Nassau Art Association. In 1900, the ownership of these three museums was transferred to the city of Wiesbaden.
The Architecture and Building History
The Museum Wiesbaden operates as a two-branch institution located in Wiesbaden, Germany. The current architectural framework follows plans drawn up by Theodor Fischer between 1913 and 1915. This construction was designed specifically to accommodate the distinct requirements of the individual collections held by the institution.
The museum's spatial organization has evolved through various renovations and shifts in exhibition strategy. Since 2013, the north wing has been dedicated to the natural history collection. The south wing, which was freed during previous renovations, now presents the Old Masters in a curated dialogue with contemporary art. This arrangement allows for a chronological and thematic connection between different eras of production.
The Classical Modernism Collection
The museum’s Classical Modernism collection holds international significance. A central component of this assemblage is the work of Russian Expressionist Alexej von Jawlensky, who lived in Wiesbaden from 1921 until his death in 1941. The current collection encompasses over 111 works by the artist, representing his various developmental phases, including the Munich, Murnau, Schwabing, and Swiss periods. This selection includes multifaceted graphic works of exceptional quality, such as his self-portraits and landscapes.
Beyond the Jawlensky holdings, the collection includes works by several noted Expressionists. These include pieces by Ernst Barlach, Lovis Corinth, and Lyonel Feininger. The breadth of the collection is further extended by the presence of works by artists such as Natalia Goncharova, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Paula Modersohn-Becker.
- Self-Portrait, 1912 - Alexej von Jawlensky
- Still Life with Apples, 1908 - Alexej von Jawlensky
- Nikita, 1910 - Alexej von Jawlensky
- Lady with fan, 1909 - Alexej von Jawlensky
- Portrait of Marianne von Werefkin, 1906 - Alexej von Jawlensky
The Art Collection and Major Works
The foundation of the art collection traces back to the former holdings of Johann Isaak von Gerning from Frankfurt. This nucleus has expanded through various acquisitions and donations to include significant works from the Expressionist movement. The museum holds pieces by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Paula Modersohn-Becker, and Wassily Kandinsky. These works are part of a collection that emphasizes the development of modern art through the 20th century.
The holdings also feature the work of August Macke and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff. Other notable artists represented in the collection include Emil Nolde and Max Beckmann. These artists contribute to the breadth of the museum's permanent assembly, which spans from the Middle Ages to the present day. The collection is organized to reflect specific themes such as religion, portraiture, mythology, still life, and landscape.
- Self-Portrait, about 1912 - Alexej von Jawlensky
- Still Life with Apples, about 1908 - Alexej von Jawlensky
- The Butterfly Hunter, 1840 - Carl Spitzweg
- The Cardsharps, 1650 - Gerard van Honthorst
- Maria Magdalena, 1520 - Lucas Cranach the Elder
- Crucifixion, 1515 - Lucas Cranach the Elder
Major Acquisitions and Donations
The museum has focused on rebuilding its holdings through strategic acquisitions over the last 25 years. This effort has specifically addressed the Alexej von Jawlensky collection, which was previously purged during the National Socialist era. Today, the museum holds a significant assemblage of his works, representing various stages of his career from the Munich period to his final years in Wiesbaden. In 2021, the collection was further enriched by the donation of the artist's correspondence, consisting of 40 letters, from Marian Stein-Steinfeld.
The 1987 addition of the Hanna Bekker vom Rath collection significantly augmented the museum's holdings. This acquisition brought numerous works by prominent Expressionists into the institution. While the museum continues to develop its modern collections, other historical assets have been relocated. The collection of Nassau Antiquities is now held and displayed at the Stadtmuseum am Markt in Wiesbaden.
- Self-Portrait, about 1912 - Alexej von Jawlensky
- Maria Magdalena, 1520 - Lucas Cranach the Elder
- The Cardsharps, 1650 - Gerard van Honthorst
- The Butterfly Hunter, 1840 - Carl Spitzweg
Recent Projects and Extensions
The Museum Wiesbaden is currently undergoing significant spatial development to accommodate its growing collections. The institution presently maintains approximately 7,400 square meters of exhibition space. This capacity has necessitated a planned extension to support the spatial and content-related advancement of the State Museum of Art and Nature. The project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for the continued development of the museum's holdings.
An international architecture competition was held to determine the design for this expansion. The Vienna-based firm Schenker Salvi Weber ZT GmbH provided the winning design. The selected proposal focuses on architectural quality and functional organization while maintaining a sensitive approach to the existing listed building. This extension is intended to ensure the museum has the required space for both specialized exhibitions and expanded storage requirements.
