Kunsthaus Kaufbeuren
Exhibition venue for contemporary art in the old town of Kaufbeuren with changing exhibitions, discussion formats and educational programs.
About the museum
The Kunsthaus goes back to the Kaufbeuren building contractor Hans Dobler, who founded the Stiftung Kunsthaus der Stadt Kaufbeuren in 1995 and financed the new building. After a long search for a site, the choice fell on the courtyard of the former hospital (Spital) on the edge of the old town; the building was designed by the Kaufbeuren architect Klaus Kehrbaum. It opened in May 1996, with Boris von Brauchitsch as its first director.
The narrow building with its steep, curved sheet-metal roof recalls medieval salt and grain storehouses, but is built of concrete and glass; a glass stair tower echoes the demolished archive tower of the hospital. Around 500 square meters of exhibition space are available on two levels: the foyer, the hall on the second floor and the attic space under the roof.
The museum has no collection of its own. Several temporary exhibitions are shown each year – in the early years also with works by Beuys, Baselitz, Albers or Keith Haring, today mainly projects by contemporary artists. Since 2025, Lisa Britzger has directed the Kunsthaus and increasingly focuses on discussion, workshop and participatory formats; programs for children and young people are developed together with the art school querKUNST.
Highlights
- Striking new building from 1996 in the courtyard of the historic hospital
- Three exhibition levels: foyer, hall and attic space under the roof
- Several temporary exhibitions of contemporary art each year
- Free admission for children and young adults up to 20 years
- Discussion and participation series "Mit am Tisch im Kunsthaus"
- Founded
- 1996
- Operated by
- Stiftung Kunsthaus der Stadt Kaufbeuren
- Director
- Lisa Britzger
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 20 · Children and young adults up to 20 years free. |
| Groups | –Guided tour for school classes: €0.50 per student; appointment by arrangement. |
| Combination ticket "Kaufbeurer Museumslandschaften" | €9One admission each within one year to the Stadtmuseum, Kunsthaus, Isergebirgs-Museum, Feuerwehrmuseum and the interactive exhibition on the Gablonz industry (adult price). |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building and exhibition rooms are accessible.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 20 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Together with the art school querKUNST, programs are developed in which children and young people get creative themselves. Free admission up to 20 years.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Plärrer
From Kaufbeuren station, take bus line 11 for about 5 minutes to "Plärrer" (return from "Rathaus" or "Plärrer"); on foot from the station 10–15 minutes.
By car
Parking available · 3-min walk to the entrance
There is no parking in the old town; the Rathaus parking garage and the parking garage at the Kunsthaus are recommended.
The Kunsthaus is located on the southeastern edge of the old town between the Volkshochschule and the Haus des Handwerks, in the courtyard of the Spitaltor. Taxis are available at the station.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
The Café & Bistro Kirschkern in the Kunsthaus is currently closed.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Curator-led tours of the exhibitions according to the events calendar; guided tours for groups and school classes by arrangement (tel. 08341 8644, mail@kunsthaus-kaufbeuren.de). |
