KIT – Kunst im Tunnel

Current exhibitions

About the museum

When the Rheinufertunnel (Rhine embankment tunnel) was built in the early 1990s, a structurally necessary cavity remained between the two road tubes at Mannesmannufer. From 1992, theater groups, artists and the city's cultural office used this raw concrete space for improvised performances and exhibitions – without electricity, heating or permanent stairs.

After the 1996 airport fire, the space was closed for fire safety reasons and remained unused for about ten years. In 2006, the city's cultural committee decided to convert it into an exhibition space; the plans came from the firm Fritschi, Stahl und Baum, which had already designed the Rhine promenade. For around €3.4 million, a glazed entrance pavilion with a café and a curved exhibition space about 140 meters long were created beneath the promenade.

In February 2007, KIT opened with the exhibition "Hotel Kerberos", which drew thousands of visitors in its first days. The venue is operated by the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf and was curated from the start by Gertrud Peters. KIT has no collection; instead, it presents about four temporary exhibitions a year, mainly featuring young artists from the art academy scene – often as group shows and with an extensive education program.

Highlights

• Elliptically curved exhibition space around 140 meters long between two road tunnel tubes
• Temporary exhibitions of young contemporary art, often artists' first institutional shows
• Glazed entrance pavilion with KIT Café and terrace on the Rhine
• Free admission every 2nd Sunday of the month and on Long Thursday

Founded

2007

Operated by

Kunsthalle Düsseldorf gGmbH

Director

Alicia Holthausen (kommissarische künstlerische Leitung der Kunsthalle Düsseldorf)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission every 2nd Sunday of the month and on the last Thursday of the month 18:00–21:00 (Long Thursday).

Separate admission from the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf. The Düsseldorf Art:card is valid. The visitor page does not specify who is eligible for reduced admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: not available
• Audio description

Access via the KIT Café, then by elevator or a steep staircase with 32 steps down to the underground space; the floor slopes and ceiling height varies. According to the venue, the accessible restroom is currently out of service due to renovation. Loaner wheelchair and folding stools at the ticket desk. No guidance system; alarms are audible only. For each exhibition, an audio-described tour or multi-sensory tour and a tour with German Sign Language (DGS) interpretation (registration required). Portable induction loops on tours. Accessible parking spaces at Horionplatz 10 and in the Q-Park Apollo. Exhibition texts only in standard language (German/English). Accredited under "Reisen für Alle" (accessibility certification) until 2026.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family day on the second Sunday of the month with free admission, including an exhibition visit followed by a creative activity; online art tutorials related to the exhibitions; project "Was mit Kunst!?" for ages 15 to 20.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

KIT Café in the entrance pavilion with a Rhine terrace, daily from 11:00, with its own concert program (kit-cafe.com).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit