Kunstverein Bielefeld

Current exhibitions

About the museum

A first art association for Bielefeld and its surroundings existed from 1881 to 1909. The present association was founded in March 1929 as a circle of friends of the Städtisches Kunsthaus (municipal art house), which had opened two years earlier; the occasion was an exhibition of Emil Nolde. It organized lectures, trips, and purchases of contemporary art for the Kunsthaus.

After 1933, the association had to re-establish itself and align with Nazi-approved art; it largely withdrew from exhibition activity. As early as 1946 it resumed holding exhibitions. In the 1960s it turned increasingly to contemporary art and sculpture in public space and supported the construction of the Kunsthalle, which opened in 1968.

Since 1984, the Kunstverein has been based in the Waldhof, a 16th-century noble residence whose Gothic vault is among the oldest structures in the city. Sculptures by Reinhard Buxel and Maria Dompè are permanently installed in the courtyard.

With nearly 1,000 members, it is one of the larger art associations in Germany. Its program of solo and thematic exhibitions focuses on young international positions and social issues; it also offers annual member editions, education programs, and an artothek (art lending library) in the city library. Together with the Kunsthalle and the Kunstforum Hermann Stenner, the association forms the "Bielefelder Kunstdreieck" (Bielefeld Art Triangle).

Highlights

• Temporary exhibitions of young international contemporary art
• Housed in the Waldhof, a Weser Renaissance noble residence with a Gothic vault
• Sculptures by Reinhard Buxel and Maria Dompè in the courtyard
• Free admission on Thursdays, always free for under-18s
• Part of the Bielefelder Kunstdreieck with the Kunsthalle and the Kunstforum Hermann Stenner

Founded

1929

Operated by

Kunstverein Bielefeld e. V.

Director

Victoria Tarak

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission every Thursday.

Free admission for members and Bielefeld-Pass holders. The website does not specify who qualifies for reduced admission.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's activities on Saturdays for ages 6 to 10 with an age-appropriate exhibition tour and workshop (suggested donation from €15 per child). Children's birthday parties for ages 6 to 10 (approx. 4 hours) by booking.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

Annual gifts and editions for members.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 30 guests.

The Gothic vault (approx. 40 m²) can be rented by private individuals and companies for up to 30 people.

Plan your visit