January 17, 2027 – April 18, 2027
Deutsche Künstler im Exil: 1933–1945
Opening exhibition after the renovation about artists who were forced into exile during the Nazi era.
Kunsthaus Apolda Avantgarde
Exhibition venue in an 1871/72 industrialist's villa in Apolda – changing shows ranging from classical modernism to Pop Art.
Temporarily closed
Temporarily closed (expected until 2027-01-17). Closed for renovation from August 24, 2026, to January 16, 2027; reopening on January 17, 2027, with the exhibition "Deutsche Künstler im Exil".
Current exhibitions
May 2, 2027 – August 29, 2027
Von Dalí bis Dix – Die Sammlung Heinrich Wagner zu Gast
Guest presentation of a private collection with works by Salvador Dalí, Otto Dix and other 20th-century artists.
September 12, 2027 – December 12, 2027
Gerhard Richter. Reset
Exhibition of works by Gerhard Richter concluding the 2027 annual program.
About the museum
The Kunsthaus is housed in a two-story villa in the Italian country-house style, built in 1871/72 for the Apolda woolen goods manufacturer Robert Francke. After several changes of ownership, the district administration used the now heritage-listed building from 1952 onward.
In 1994, the art association Kunstverein Apolda Avantgarde was founded with the aim of presenting high-caliber art exhibitions in this district town between Weimar and Jena. After the villa had been converted, the association opened the Kunsthaus in June 1995; even its first major show, on Max Liebermann and Lovis Corinth, attracted attention beyond the region.
The association still runs the venue today. There is no permanent exhibition; instead, there are several temporary exhibitions a year featuring loans – including shows on Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Rembrandt's etchings, Andy Warhol, Friedensreich Hundertwasser and Keith Haring, as well as photographs by Helmut Newton. According to the association, more than 679,000 visitors have come since the opening.
From August 2026 to mid-January 2027, the building is being renovated; it will be followed by exhibitions on German artists in exile, on the Heinrich Wagner Collection and on Gerhard Richter.
Highlights
- Heritage-listed industrialist's villa from 1871/72
- Temporary exhibitions featuring big names in art history
- 2027: art in exile, "Von Dalí bis Dix" and Gerhard Richter
- Art education and projects for children
- Founded
- 1995
- Operated by
- Kunstverein Apolda Avantgarde e. V.
- Director
- Hans Jürgen Giese (Geschäftsführer)
Admission & discounts
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of 10 or more pay a reduced rate; school classes €2 per person (including teachers). |
|---|
Admission depends on the respective exhibition; prices for 2027 have not yet been published. Most recently (Keith Haring, 2026): €7, reduced €6, family ticket €14, accompanying events €9.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Exhibition-related art education for children and families, e.g., activity booklets and children's audio guides (depending on the exhibition).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Apolda
Apolda station, then about a 5-minute walk.
By car
Parking available · 5-min walk to the entrance
Only a few parking spaces at the building. On weekends, additional parking above the Kunsthaus (access via Herderstraße/Brandesstraße) and at the Landratsamt (access via Ackerwand); also the P+R at the train station (access via Sulzaer Straße) and the parking garage at the Stadthalle, each about a 5-minute walk.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
Guided tours outside opening hours can be booked with standing tables and a buffet (surcharge €75); no other rentals mentioned.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours by appointment via phone or email: €50 during opening hours, Mondays (9:00–16:00) €50 plus €50 for special opening, evenings from 17:00 €70 plus €50 for special opening, each plus admission. Art education and children's projects. |
