Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in North Rhine – Westphalia:
1Kunstmuseum Bonn
BonnThe 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. 2Museum Insel Hombroich
NeussMuseum 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. 3Museum Ludwig
CologneMuseum 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 4Morsbroich Museum
LeverkusenThe 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. 5Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders
Bergisch GladbachVilla 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. 6Ludwig Forum for International Art
AachenThe Ludwig Forum for International Art is a museum located in Aachen, Germany. It is known for its modern art collection, which is based on the Ludwig Collection. This collection was assembled by the Aachen collector couple, Irene and Peter Ludwig. The museum is supported by the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation. 7Märkisches Museum
WittenThe 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. 8Osthaus-Museum Hagen
HagenThe 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. 9Büchel-Museum Rote Burg
AachenThe Rote Burg is a historic residential building located in Aachen, specifically at Büchel, house number 14. It holds significant historical value and is recognized as a monument in the city of Aachen's monument list. This makes it a point of interest for tourists who are keen on exploring the rich history of Aachen. 10Solingen Art Museum
SolingenThe 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. 11Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum
AachenThe 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. 12Max Ernst Museum Brühl des LVR
BrühlThe 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. 13Abteiberg Museum
MönchengladbachThe 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. 14Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany
BonnThe 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. 15Museum Folkwang
EssenMuseum 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 16Museum Kurhaus Kleve
ClevesThe 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. 17Leopold-Hoesch-Museum
DurenThe Leopold-Hoesch-Museum is a painting museum situated in the German city of Düren. It was inaugurated on November 8, 1905, and is named after Leopold Hoesch, a German industrialist and founder of the steel company Hoesch AG. The museum is housed in a richly decorated neo-baroque style building, designed by architect Georg Frentzen. 18Kaiser-Wilhelm-Museum
KrefeldThe 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. 19Kunstmuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr
Mülheim an der RuhrThe 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. 20Museum im Stern
WarburgThe Museum im Stern, established in 1968, is the city museum of Warburg. It is located in the Stern House, a former medieval nobleman's estate in Warburg's New Town. This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum's collections and exhibitions. 21Deutsches Glasmalerei-Museum Linnich
LinnichThe 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. 22German Textile Museum
KrefeldThe German Textile Museum boasts a collection of over 30,000 objects from all corners of the world, spanning from antiquity to the present day. This vast collection offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history and diversity of textiles and clothing. The museum's collection is one of the most important internationally, with historically valuable textiles and clothing. 23K20 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
DüsseldorfThe Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is the art collection of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia, in Düsseldorf. United by this institution are three different exhibition venues: the K20 at Grabbeplatz, the K21 in the Ständehaus, and the Schmela Haus. The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Wes 24Katharinenhof Kranenburg
KranenburgMuseum 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. 25Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen
GelsenkirchenThe 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. 26Kunstmuseum Pablo Picasso Münster
MünsterThe Kunstmuseum Pablo Picasso Münster, located in Münster, Germany, is home to a vast collection of graphic works by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, as well as his contemporaries. This museum provides a unique opportunity to explore Picasso's graphic works in depth, alongside those of his peers. 27Museum Kunstpalast
DüsseldorfThe 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 28Von der Heydt-Museum
WuppertalThe 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 29Bonn Women's Museum
BonnThe 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. 30Käthe Kollwitz Museum
CologneThe Käthe Kollwitz Museum is a museum in Cologne that is dedicated to Käthe Kollwitz, a German artist, who worked with painting, printmaking and sculpture. The Käthe-Kollwitz Museum in Cologne has the largest collection of works by the artist. The museum was established when the granddaughters of Kä 31Kunstmuseum Ahlen
AhlenThe 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. 32Städtisches Museum Kalkar
KalkarThe 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. 33Geschichtsmuseum der Stadt Lüdenscheid
LüdenscheidThe Geschichtsmuseum der Stadt Lüdenscheid is a local history museum that is conveniently located south of the city center of Lüdenscheid. It is situated near the shopping zone Wilhelmstraße and the town hall, making it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city. 34Langen Foundation
NeussThe 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. 35Museum Jerke
RecklinghausenMuseum Jerke holds a special place in the international art scene as it is the first museum outside Poland that exclusively exhibits modern Polish art. According to the Polish Institute Düsseldorf, this makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in Polish culture and history. 36Museum fur Ostasiatische Kunst
CologneThe Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst (Museum of East Asian Art) is a museum in Cologne that specializes in East Asian art that started off with the collection of Adolf Fischer (1856 - 1914) and his wife Frieda (1874 - 1945). The museum houses the most important collection of art from China, Korea and 37Kunsthalle Recklinghausen
RecklinghausenThe 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. 38Lehmbruck Museum
DuisburgThe 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 39Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten
MarlThe 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. 40East Wall Museum (Museum am Ostwall)
DortmundThe 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 41Kunsthalle Bielefeld
BielefeldThe 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 42Museum unter Tage - MuT
BochumThe 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 43Museum Küppersmühle
DuisburgThe Museum Küppersmühle is a museum of modern art in Duisburg. The museum was founded in 1999 in an old grain store on the Duisburgse Innenhafen, the old port area of Duisburg. The museum displays art from the 1950s onwards in 13 different halls. The artworks, mainly paintings, are from various arti 44Kunstmuseum Bochum
BochumThe Museum Bochum - Kunstsammlung (also called Kunstmuseum Bochum) is housed in the Villa Marckhoff-Rosenstein, extended by a new building by the Danish architects Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert. The collection of the museum includes works of art from the 20th century, including Francis Bacon and Rob 45Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History
MünsterThe 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. 46Josef Albers Museum Quadrat
BottropQuadrat-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. 47Kunstmuseum Wilhelm-Morgner-Haus
SoestThe 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. 48Heinrich 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. 49Keramion
FrechenKeramion 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. 50K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
DüsseldorfThe Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is the state of North Rhine-Westphalia's own art collection. 51Kunstquartier
HagenThe 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.