Art association founded in 1869: changing exhibitions of contemporary art in Heidelberg's Old Town, in the courtyard of the Kurpfälzisches Museum.
September 4, 2026 – November 15, 2026
In a walk-in installation almost 30 meters long, made of pictures, videos and life-size figures, the artist tells a fable about four dog characters that deals with exclusion, power and solidarity. It is complemented by further video works.
Heidelberg citizens founded the Kunstverein (art association) in 1869 to promote the art scene of the university town, making it one of the long-established art associations in southwestern Germany. For decades it had no building of its own; exhibitions took place in a school, in museum rooms and at the town hall, among other places. Under the Nazi regime, the association was brought into line (gleichgeschaltet).
Its current profile was shaped by the long tenure of Hans Gercke, who led the Kunstverein for 36 years from 1970 and consistently focused it on contemporary art. In 1990, the association moved into a new building by architect Dieter Quast in the inner courtyard at Hauptstraße 97, which it shares with the Kurpfälzisches Museum; the shared entrance area was renovated in 2011. Since then, changing exhibitions have been shown on around 500 square meters.
Gercke's successors included Johan Holten and Ursula Schöndeling; Søren Grammel has been director since April 2022. The Kunstverein presents solo and group exhibitions by international artists, complemented by film programs, talks and collaborations. It is supported by around 850 members, who receive free admission and can take part in trips and special events.
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3 |
| Children & teens | –School students get in free; no age limit for children is given. |
| Students & apprentices | –School students free; no separate rule for university students is given. |
| Groups | –Guided tour for private groups €70 flat rate (members €60); school classes by arrangement. |
Members of the Kunstverein get in free. The website does not list who is eligible for the reduced price.
Step-free entrance, elevator in the building, accessible restroom in the basement. The cafeteria, outdoor area and Reading Room can only be reached by stairs. Portable seating available.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kongresshaus/Stadthalle
Bus 31, 32, 35 to Kongresshaus/Stadthalle or bus 31, 32 to Universitätsplatz; from Bismarckplatz about a 10-minute walk through the pedestrian zone.
Parking available
Parking garages P6 and P8 nearby.
Cafeteria in the building (accessible by stairs only).
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for private groups and school classes by appointment; members receive free admission to events and guided tours. |
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