Ludwig Museum Koblenz

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Deutschherrenhaus at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle was, from 1216, the first establishment of the Teutonic Order in the Rhineland and gave the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) its name. After secularization, the building served, among other things, as a Prussian provisions depot and, from 1895, as the state archives.

The collector Peter Ludwig, born in Koblenz in 1925, expressed the wish in 1986, when he was made an honorary citizen, to make part of his collection accessible in his hometown, and he himself proposed the Deutschherrenhaus as the location. After conversion work from 1990 to 1992, the Ludwig Museum opened on September 18, 1992. Its core consisted of donations and long-term loans from Peter and Irene Ludwig; Irene Ludwig later bequeathed the loans to the museum in her will.

In terms of content, the museum builds on the eventful relationship between Koblenz and France: the collection focuses on French art from 1945 to the present, including works by Picasso, Dubuffet, Soulages, and the Nouveaux Réalistes. On four floors, presentations of the collection alternate with special exhibitions of international artists. The adjacent Blumenhof by the Basilica of St. Kastor, redesigned for the 2011 Federal Garden Show, serves as a sculpture park, featuring among other works César's bronze "Le Pouce".

Highlights

• Ludwig Collection of French art after 1945
• César's bronze sculpture "Le Pouce" in the sculpture park
• Works by Picasso, Dubuffet, Soulages, and the Nouveaux Réalistes
• Historic Deutschherrenhaus at the Deutsches Eck
• Museum terrace with views of the Rhine and Festung Ehrenbreitstein

Permanent exhibitions

• Sammlung Ludwig – French art from the postwar period to the present from donations by Peter and Irene Ludwig, presented in rotation.
• Außenskulpturen im Blumenhof – Sculpture park around the museum and the Basilica of St. Kastor, featuring among other works César's "Le Pouce" and installations by Anne and Patrick Poirier.

Founded

1992

Director

Beate Reifenscheid-Ronnisch

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the permanent and special exhibitions. During installation phases without a special exhibition, admission is reduced by 50%. Members of the Freunde des Mittelrhein-Museums und des Ludwig Museums and ICOM members free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

All public areas accessible; an elevator next to the entrance stairs serves all levels, and ticket desk staff will come to meet you if you call (0261 129-2406). Accessible restroom in the entrance area. Folding stools on loan at the ticket desk. Guide and therapy dogs by prior arrangement. Guided tours for people with limited mobility or dementia, and in Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) at selected events.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

Free audio guide in a children's version. Holiday workshops and family programs. Children's birthday parties with an exhibition visit and creative program (up to 12 children, approx. 1.5–2 hours, usually ages 6 and up). Exhibition rooms accessible with strollers.

Getting there & parking

By car via the B 9 and the Europabrücke, following signs for "Altstadt/Deutsches Eck".

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with artists' editions and catalogs. Restaurant "Gerhard's Genussgesellschaft" in the neighboring Blumenhof.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Smaller events, corporate functions, private celebrations, and non-civil wedding ceremonies (including on the wall terrace) by arrangement; can be combined with a guided tour and the neighboring restaurant.

Plan your visit