Kunstmuseum Ahlen
Art museum in a Gründerzeit villa with a new building in Ahlen: temporary exhibitions on modern and contemporary art, collection with the guiding theme of light.
About the museum
The Kunstmuseum Ahlen goes back to the private initiative of the Ahlen entrepreneur Theodor F. Leifeld (1921–2005) and opened in October 1993. It is located in a restored villa from the Gründerzeit in the city center, near the former Westtor. In 1996 a modern extension was added, so that historic and contemporary architecture form an ensemble; a sculpture garden and light art in the outdoor space complete the site.
The museum is sponsored by the Theodor F. Leifeld-Stiftung and operated by the non-profit Kunstmuseum Ahlen gGmbH. From its founding until early 2020 it was directed by Burkhard Leismann; since August 2020, Dr. Martina Padberg has led the museum.
Since 2006 the museum has been building its own collection, which now comprises around 1,500 works by more than 200 artists. Its focal points are Rhenish and Westphalian Expressionism, constructivist-concrete positions and contemporary art; the theme of light serves as a common thread. The exhibition program is shaped by changing presentations on modern and contemporary art. The Förderkreis (friends' circle) supports acquisitions and awards the scholarship "Ahlener Kunstsprung" for young artists.
Highlights
- Ensemble of a Gründerzeit villa and an extension from 1996
- Collection with the guiding theme of light, from Expressionism to the present
- Light art installations in the outdoor space
- Pay what you want on the first Wednesday of every month
- Public guided tour every Sunday at 12:00
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Kunstmuseum Ahlen gGmbH (Theodor F. Leifeld-Stiftung)
- Director
- Dr. Martina Padberg
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Students, trainees, artists, people with severe disabilities (degree of disability of 60 or higher), holders of the artCard |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Children and teenagers up to 18 years free. |
| Seniors | –No separate senior discount specified. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5Reduced from a degree of disability of 60. |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups | €5 per personGroup tour (max. 16 people) €80 during the day or €95 from 18:00 and on weekends/public holidays, plus €5 admission per person. School classes €4 per student, two accompanying persons free. |
| Public guided tour (Sun 12:00) | €5Plus admission |
| Annual pass | €25 |
Free admission: Every first Wednesday of the month (except on public holidays): admission at your own discretion (pay what you want).
Free admission for members of the Förderkreis, the Museumsbund and ICOM, and with the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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
Accessible entry to the old and new buildings; platform lift to the old building, glass elevator to the upper floor and basement. Seating and folding stools available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Holiday courses for children, children's birthday parties for ages 5 to 12 (2 hours with exhibition visit and studio, €85, on weekends €95).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Weststraße · 3-min walk
RE 6 and RB 69 to Ahlen station (about a 10-minute walk); bus lines C5, C6, 353, 456, R54 and R55 to Weststraße.
By car
Parking available · 5-min walk to the entrance
A few parking spaces directly opposite the museum; more parking at Freiheit and Am Stadtpark 4.
Located directly on the WerseRadweg cycle route.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Coat check
- Lockers
Restaurant Café Chagall in the neighboring Ackerbürgerhaus (Wed–Fri 14:30–22:00, Sat 17:30–22:00, Sun/public holidays 13:30–17:30). Coat check and lockers in the basement.
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 | Public guided tour on Sundays at 12:00 (max. 16 people, no registration required). School programs Tuesday through Friday by arrangement, from preschool to upper secondary level. |
