All contemporary art museums to visit in North Rhine – Westphalia

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 59 museums in North Rhine – Westphalia. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in North Rhine – Westphalia:

  1. Kunstmuseum Bonn1

    Kunstmuseum Bonn

     Bonn
    The Kunstmuseum Bonn, also known as the Bonn Museum of Modern Art, is a renowned art museum located in Bonn, Germany. It was established in the year 1947 and has since been a significant cultural institution in the city.
  2. Arithmeum2

    Arithmeum

     Bonn
    The Arithmeum was founded by Bernhard Korte, the director of the institute, who also contributed his private collection of calculating machines. As of 2008, the museum's collection included 4500 calculating machines, 2000 books, 800 works of art, and 500 historical computers. This extensive collection offers a unique insight into the history and development of computing technology.
  3. Museum Insel Hombroich3

    Museum Insel Hombroich

     Neuss
    Museum Insel Hombroich is an art museum situated in Neuss - Holzheim. The museum is unique for its free-standing exhibition pavilions and restored buildings, which are set in a renatured park and floodplain landscape on the northern bank of the Erft. This setting provides a serene and natural environment for visitors to enjoy the art exhibits.
  4. Museum Ludwig4

    Museum Ludwig

     Cologne
    Museum Ludwig is a modern art museum in Cologne. The museum holds and exhibits a collection of modern art that includes works from Pop Art, Abstract and Surrealism. The Ludwig Museum essentially incorporates the Sammlung Haubrich, a collection by lawyer Josef Haubrich of art from 1914 to 1939. Today
  5. Morsbroich Museum5

    Morsbroich Museum

     Leverkusen
    The Museum Morsbroich is a contemporary art museum situated in Leverkusen. It was inaugurated in January 1951, making it the first modern art museum in the Federal Republic of Germany after the end of the Second World War.
  6. Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders6

    Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders

     Bergisch Gladbach
    Villa Zanders, located in Bergisch Gladbach in the Rheinisch-Bergischen Kreis of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a former industrialist villa that belonged to the Zanders family. This three-story brick building is structured with natural stone in the style of the French Renaissance. The villa was built in 1873-1874 for Maria Zanders, the widow of Carl Richard Zanders, and was originally situated in the middle of a small park, of which only remnants remain.
  7. Märkisches Museum7

    Märkisches Museum

     Witten
    The Märkisches Museum Witten, situated in Witten, is a museum that primarily focuses on modern German painting. This museum is an excellent destination for art enthusiasts, particularly those interested in modern German art. It offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the evolution and diversity of modern German painting.
  8. Osthaus-Museum Hagen8

    Osthaus-Museum Hagen

     Hagen
    The Karl Ernst Osthaus-Museum is an art museum located in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is named after Karl Ernst Osthaus, a significant figure in the art world, and houses his art collection. The museum is a significant cultural landmark in the region and offers a unique insight into the art and history of the area.
  9. Solingen Art Museum9

    Solingen Art Museum

     Solingen
    The Solingen Art Museum, previously known as Museum Baden, is a significant cultural institution that has been operational since 1996. It is housed in the former town hall of Gräfrath, a building constructed in the Neuberg style between 1907 and 1908. The museum also includes a rear extension that was added between 1995 and 1996.
  10. Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum10

    Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum

     Aachen
    The Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, located in Aachen, Germany, is an art museum that was established in 1877. It is named after its founder, Barthold Suermondt, and art collectors Irene and Peter Ludwig. The museum is known for its extensive collection of artworks, which includes pieces from various periods and styles.
  11. Max Ernst Museum Brühl des LVR11

    Max Ernst Museum Brühl des LVR

     Brühl
    The Max Ernst Museum Brühl des LVR, often shortened to Max-Ernst-Museum, was inaugurated on September 4, 2005. Located in Brühl, the birthplace of the renowned German artist Max Ernst, the museum is primarily dedicated to showcasing his work. This makes it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in the life and work of Max Ernst.
  12. Abteiberg Museum12

    Abteiberg Museum

     Mönchengladbach
    The Abteiberg Museum, also known as Städtisches Museum Abteiberg, is a museum located in Mönchengladbach, Germany. It was established in 1887 when objects were stored in a disused school building in the Gladbach district of Mönchengladbach. The museum was redesigned by Hans Hollein between 1972 and 1982 and was named Städtische Museum Abteiberg.
  13. MARTa Herford13

    MARTa Herford

     Herford
    The Marta Herford is a contemporary art museum situated in Herford, a city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This museum is a significant cultural landmark in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of contemporary art.
  14. Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany14

    Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany

     Bonn
    The Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the Bundeskunsthalle, is a popular destination for tourists. It is located in Bonn, as part of the renowned 'Museum Mile'. This museum is one of the most frequented in Germany, attracting a large number of visitors each year.
  15. Museum Folkwang15

    Museum Folkwang

     Essen
    Museum Folkwang is an art museum in Essen with an art collection with 19th- and 20th-century art. The collection of the museum contains works of impressionism, expressionism, surrealism and other styles of modern art. In addition, Museum Folkwang holds objects of the arts and crafts, a graphic and a
  16. Museum Kurhaus Kleve16

    Museum Kurhaus Kleve

     Cleves
    The Museum Kurhaus Kleve is a visual arts museum situated in the Lower Rhine region of Germany, in the city of Cleves. It is named after the original function of the building, which served as a spa resort between 1742 and 1914. The museum is located near the Cleves gardens and the zoo, both of which were established in the 17th century by Johan Maurits van Nassau.
  17. Kaiser-Wilhelm-Museum17

    Kaiser-Wilhelm-Museum

     Krefeld
    The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Museum is the primary building of the Krefeld Art Museums. The museum's focus is on art from the second half of the 20th century, offering a rich collection of modern and contemporary art. It is a significant cultural landmark in the city of Krefeld.
  18. Nibelungenhalle18

    Nibelungenhalle

     Königswinter
    The Nibelungenhalle is a unique dome structure located in the city of Königswinter, in the Rhein-Sieg district of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is situated on the path leading to the summit of the Drachenfels, a location steeped in legend where Siegfried is said to have slain a dragon. The hall houses a collection of paintings by Hermann Hendrich, which are based on Richard Wagner's opera cycle The Ring of the Nibelung and Wagner's Grail opera Parsifal.
  19. Kunst und Kulturzentrum KUK19

    Kunst und Kulturzentrum KUK

     Monschau
    The Photography Forum, previously known as the Kunst- und Kulturzentrum, is a museum located in Monschau, StädteRegion Aachen. The museum primarily focuses on photography, making it a unique destination for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
  20. Kunsthaus Nordrhein-Westfalen Kornelimünster20

    Kunsthaus Nordrhein-Westfalen Kornelimünster

     Aachen
    The Kunsthaus Nordrhein-Westfalen Kornelimünster, previously known as Kunst aus NRW, is a notable venue for art enthusiasts. It features exhibitions of young artists from North Rhine-Westphalia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Additionally, it houses a collection of promotional purchases in the field of visual arts from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the works of emerging artists from these regions.
  21. Kunstmuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr21

    Kunstmuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr

     Mülheim an der Ruhr
    The Kunstmuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr, situated in the city center, is a hub for art enthusiasts. It displays a wide range of art from the 20th and early 21st centuries. The museum is housed in a protected former imperial main post office, adding a historical touch to your visit. It is one of the twenty-one RuhrKunstMuseen, making it a significant part of the city's cultural landscape.
  22. Kolumba22

    Kolumba

     Cologne
    Kolumba is an art museum in Cologne. The museum is one of the oldest museums in Cologne and is located on the site of the former St. Columba church. The museum holds and exhibits a collection paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, decorative art and religious icons from Late Antiquity to contempor
  23. Deutsches Glasmalerei-Museum Linnich23

    Deutsches Glasmalerei-Museum Linnich

     Linnich
    The Deutsches Glasmalerei-Museum in Linnich is a unique institution in Germany, dedicated to the art of stained glass. It houses a wide range of exhibits, both historical and contemporary, featuring works by renowned artists such as Georg Meistermann, Brian Clarke, and Otmar Alt. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and diversity of stained glass art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  24. Raketenstation Hombroich24

    Raketenstation Hombroich

     Neuss
    Raketenstation Hombroich is a museum area located near Holzheim in the city of Neuss. It is owned by the Insel Hombroich Foundation and offers a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature. The museum is situated on a former NATO missile site, adding a historical dimension to its appeal.
  25. Katharinenhof Kranenburg25

    Katharinenhof Kranenburg

     Kranenburg
    Museum Katharinenhof is an art museum situated in the historic city center of Kranenburg, in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The museum has been housed in a former sister convent since 1961, adding a unique historical charm to the establishment.
  26. Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen26

    Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen

     Gelsenkirchen
    The Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen is the city museum of Gelsenkirchen, situated in the district of Buer. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering a wide range of art collections for public viewing.
  27. Haus Lange and Haus Esters27

    Haus Lange and Haus Esters

     Krefeld
    Haus Lange and Haus Esters are two residential houses located in Krefeld, Germany. These houses were designed by the renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the German industrialists Hermann Lange and Josef Esters. The architectural design of these houses reflects the unique style of van der Rohe, making them a significant part of Krefeld's cultural heritage.
  28. Museum Kunstpalast28

    Museum Kunstpalast

     Düsseldorf
    The Kunstpalast Museum, also known as the Museum Kunst Palast is a museum in Düsseldorf. The museum is located on the site of an older museum from 1902 that was rebuilt twice. Paintings and sculptures from the period between the Middle Ages and the 21st century are exhibited in Museum Kunstpalast. I
  29. Red Dot Design Museum29

    Red Dot Design Museum

     Essen
    The Red Dot Design Museum is a museum in Essen where the winning products of the Red Dot Design Award are presented. The Red Dot Design Award is an international product design and communication design prize awarded by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen with prize categories for product design,
  30. Von der Heydt-Museum30

    Von der Heydt-Museum

     Wuppertal
    The Von der Heydt Museum is a museum in Wuppertal, housed in the former city hall of Elberfeld. The museum is named after the Von der Heydt family which were important patrons. The museum's permanent collection contains paintings and sculptures from the sixteenth century to the present, including wo
  31. Bonn Women's Museum31

    Bonn Women's Museum

     Bonn
    The Bonn Women's Museum, also known as Frauenmuseum Bonn, is a unique institution located in Bonn, Germany. It was established in 1981 by Marianne Pitzen along with a group of interdisciplinary women. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the works of female artists, making it a significant platform for women in the arts.
  32. Kunstmuseum Ahlen32

    Kunstmuseum Ahlen

     Ahlen
    The Kunstmuseum Ahlen is a museum situated in the city center of Ahlen, Westphalia. It was established in October 1993, making it a relatively recent addition to the city's cultural scene. The museum's central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  33. Städtisches Museum Kalkar33

    Städtisches Museum Kalkar

     Kalkar
    The Städtische Museum Kalkar is housed in a stepped gable house that dates back to the year 1500. This historic building adds to the charm and authenticity of the museum, providing a unique backdrop for the exhibits.
  34. The sculpture hall in Neuss34

    The sculpture hall in Neuss

     Neuss
    The Sculpture Hall in Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia, is an exhibition hall for art. It is located adjacent to the Hombroich Rocket Station to the south. This location offers a unique blend of art and history, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in both.
  35. Langen Foundation35

    Langen Foundation

     Neuss
    The Langen Foundation, located near Neuss in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a museum designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This unique architectural marvel is a testament to Ando's minimalist style, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The museum's design is a significant part of its appeal, offering visitors a unique experience of art and architecture.
  36. Kunsthalle Düsseldorf36

    Kunsthalle Düsseldorf

     Düsseldorf
    The Kunsthalle Düsseldorf - officially Kunsthalle und Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen - is ana rt hall located opposite the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen K20 museum in Düsseldorf. Kunsthalle Düsseldorf does not have its own art collection, but has always been a space for temporary e
  37. Kunsthalle Recklinghausen37

    Kunsthalle Recklinghausen

     Recklinghausen
    The Kunsthalle Recklinghausen, established in 1950, is an art museum located in a former high bunker opposite the main train station in Recklinghausen. The museum boasts its own municipal collection, featuring works from significant German and international post-war artists such as Emil Schumacher, Karl Otto Götz, Ayşe Erkmen, Marina Apollonio, Gerhard Richter, and Timm Ulrichs. This collection provides a rich exploration of post-war art, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the works of renowned artists.
  38. Lehmbruck Museum38

    Lehmbruck Museum

     Duisburg
    The Lehmbruck Museum (Stiftung-Wilhelm-Lehmbruck-Museum – Zentrum Internationaler Skulptur) is a museum for modern art in Duisburg in Germany. The museum focuses on modern sculpture and was named after the sculptor Wilhelm Lehmbruck, who was born in Duisburg in 1881. The collection of the Lehmbruck
  39. Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten39

    Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten

     Marl
    The Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten, located in Marl, is an art museum with a primary focus on sculptures from the classical modern and contemporary art periods. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide range of sculptures, providing a comprehensive insight into the evolution of this art form over the years.
  40. East Wall Museum (Museum am Ostwall)40

    East Wall Museum (Museum am Ostwall)

     Dortmund
    The East Wall Museum (Museum am Ostwall) is a museum of modern and contemporary art, located in the former Dortmunder U brewery on the Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse in the German city of Dortmund. The museum collection includes paintings, sculptures, objects and photographs and a collection of graphics of
  41. Kunsthalle Bielefeld41

    Kunsthalle Bielefeld

     Bielefeld
    The Kunsthalle Bielefeld is both a museum with its own collection and an art hall with four temporary exhibitions per year. The art hall is located in the city of Bielefeld and was founded by industrialist Rudolf-August Oetker who was born in Bielefeld. The collection of the Kunsthalle Bielefeld foc
  42. Museum unter Tage - MuT42

    Museum unter Tage - MuT

     Bochum
    The Museum unter Tage - MuT fulfills two functions: one third (about 500 m2) of the exhibition space is used for temporary exhibitions and two-thirds (approximately 1,000 m2) of the exhibition space serves to permanently present parts of the collection. This includes about 350 works of landscape art
  43. NRW-Forum43

    NRW-Forum

     Düsseldorf
    The NRW Forum Wirtschaft und Kultur or Forum NRW is an exhibition and event venue in Düsseldorf that focuses on the development and the economy of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and regions within it, with a focus on photography, pop and digital culture. The NRW Forum is housed in the Ehrenhof
  44. Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History44

    Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History

     Münster
    The Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History, located in Münster, Germany, is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of art and cultural artifacts. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic styles and periods, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's rich cultural history.
  45. Museum Goch45

    Museum Goch

     Goch
    Museum Goch, situated in the Düsseldorf district of North Rhine-Westphalia, was established after the First World War. The museum was the brainchild of Jean Klein, who generously donated his collection of furniture, household items, and paintings to form the foundation of the museum's collection.
  46. Josef Albers Museum Quadrat46

    Josef Albers Museum Quadrat

     Bottrop
    Quadrat-Bottrop is a museum complex situated in the city park of Bottrop, a city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a stroll in the park, making it an ideal destination for art and nature lovers alike.
  47. Koenraad-Bosman-Museum47

    Koenraad-Bosman-Museum

     Rees
    The Koenraad-Bosman-Museum, located in the Lower Rhine city of Rees, is a two-story, five-axis building that was formerly known as the Keim house. This historical building, which was constructed around 1850, now serves as a museum for art and city history.
  48. Kunsthaus Kannen48

    Kunsthaus Kannen

     Münster
    Kunsthaus Kannen is an art museum situated in Münster, Westphalia. It specializes in Art Brut, Outsider Art, and contemporary art. This unique focus makes it a distinctive destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike who are interested in exploring different art genres.
  49. Kunstmuseum Wilhelm-Morgner-Haus49

    Kunstmuseum Wilhelm-Morgner-Haus

     Soest
    The Wilhelm-Morgner-Haus in Soest has been home to the Wilhelm Morgner Museum and the Schroth Room of the Conceptual Art Foundation with the Schroth Collection since May 2016. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering a unique insight into the works of Wilhelm Morgner and other artists related to Soest.
  50. Center for International Light Art50

    Center for International Light Art

     Unna
    The Centre for International Light Art (CILA) is a unique art museum located in Unna, Germany. It is the only museum in the world that is solely dedicated to the collection and presentation of light art. This makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike who are interested in this specific form of art.
  51. Museum & Skulpturenpark - Kunsthaus Rietberg51

    Museum & Skulpturenpark - Kunsthaus Rietberg

     Rietberg
    The Kunsthaus Rietberg – Museum Wilfried Koch is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the artist Wilfried Koch. It is located in the town of Rietberg, in the region of East Westphalia, Germany. The museum showcases the artistic and illustrative work of Koch, supplemented by documents and records related to his personal life and scientific work.
  52. Heinrich Neuy Bauhaus Museum52

    Heinrich Neuy Bauhaus Museum

     Borghorst (Steinfurt)
    The Heinrich-Neuy-Bauhaus-Museum is situated in Borghorst, a part of the city of Steinfurt. The museum is dedicated to the works and objects of the Bauhaus artist Heinrich Neuy. In addition to this, it also hosts changing exhibitions that revolve around the themes of the Bauhaus period.
  53. Keramion53

    Keramion

     Frechen
    Keramion is a ceramics museum located in Frechen, Germany. It is known for its exhibitions that showcase a wide range of ceramics, from historical pieces to modern and contemporary works. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the evolution of ceramics over time, making it an interesting destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  54. Moyland Castle54

    Moyland Castle

     Bedburg-Hau
    Schloss Moyland is a neo-Gothic castle situated in the municipality of Bedburg-Hau, near Kleve in Germany. This historic castle is open to the public as Museum Schloss Moyland, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history and architectural beauty.
  55. K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen55

    K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

     Düsseldorf
    The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is the state of North Rhine-Westphalia's own art collection.
  56. Kunstquartier56

    Kunstquartier

     Hagen
    The Kunstquartier Hagen, opened in 2009, is a museum district that includes the expanded Osthaus Museum Hagen, located in the historic Folkwang Villa, and the newly built Emil Schumacher Museum. These two museums are connected by a transparent foyer, creating a unique architectural concept within the city.
  57. 57

    Kunstverein Paderborn

     Paderborn
    Kunstverein Paderborn, established in 1968, is an institution dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art. This includes various forms of art such as painting, graphics, sculpture, architecture, object art, photography, and new media. The organization's mission is to showcase and foster young art, and to develop a critical understanding of contemporary culture in the public.
  58. 58

    KAI 10 Arthena Foundation

     Düsseldorf
    KAI 10 | ARTHENA FOUNDATION aims to be an independent space for contemporary art. It is a non-commercial art institution without an own collection. The exhibition space is located in a former warehouse from the 1950s, one of the few historical buildings remaining in Düsseldorf’s Media Harbour. With
  59. 59

    HMKV

     Dortmund
    The Hartware MedienKunstVerein (HMKV) is a platform for the production, presentation, and communication of contemporary and experimental (media) art. Among the major goals of the HMKV are exploring contemporary themes and questions, addressing the wider public in its educational work, and an interdi