Museen Haus Lange und Haus Esters

Current exhibitions

About the museum

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the two country houses in 1927/28 for the friends Hermann Lange and Josef Esters, both silk industrialists from Krefeld; they were completed by 1930. Together with his then partner Lilly Reich, he also designed many interior details, from door handles to lamps to the furnishing concept. What began as a radically open floor plan became two residences that look similar at first glance but differ considerably in detail.

Since 1955 the city of Krefeld has used Haus Lange as an exhibition hall for contemporary art, after Ulrich Lange, son of the client, gave the house to the city in 1968. Haus Esters was added in 1981. As early as 1961, Yves Klein staged color spaces here; from this grew a tradition of site-specific exhibitions that is still maintained, to which Christo, Hans Haacke, Richard Long and Fred Sandback later contributed, among others.

Both buildings are largely preserved in their original condition and belong to the Iconic Houses network. Together with the Kaiser Wilhelm Museum they form the Kunstmuseen Krefeld. Changing exhibitions run in the rooms, and permanently installed sculptures stand in the surrounding park.

Highlights

• Two villas by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1927/28), largely in original condition
• Site-specific art since the 1960s, including works by Yves Klein, Christo and Richard Long
• Details and interior concepts designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich
• Sculpture garden with permanently installed works
• Architecture guide with 27 listening stations on the villas

Permanent exhibition

• Skulpturengarten – Sculptures are permanently installed in the park around the two villas; the gardens are reached by steps.

Founded

1955

Operated by

Stadt Krefeld – Kunstmuseen Krefeld

Director

Katia Baudin

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the first Thursday of each month, the Kunstmuseen Krefeld offer the evening program "KunstImPuls" with free admission (not held during school holidays).

The ticket is valid for both houses. Public guided tours cost €4 in addition to admission. Admission is also free for the press as well as members of ICOM/CIMAM, IAA, the German Museums Association (Deutscher Museumsbund) and supporters.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The villas are listed buildings and only partially accessible: at Haus Lange one low step must be overcome at the entrance (staff will help), and only a staircase leads to the upper floor. Haus Esters can be reached via a portable ramp that is laid out when needed. The toilets are on the first floor in both houses and can be reached without steps. The gardens are not accessible without help because of several steps. Visits can be announced at 02151 97558-137 or by email to servicekunstmuseen@krefeld.de. Assistance animals are permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

The Kunstmuseen Krefeld offer children, young people and families regular programs, including holiday courses (at times in Haus Lange and Haus Esters) and the monthly "Museumsspaß" (Museum Fun) for children aged 5 and up. Personal strollers are not permitted; the museum lends buggies.

Getting there & parking

By car: A 57, exit Krefeld-Gartenstadt, on Europaring toward the center, left onto Hüttenallee, then into Wilhelmshofallee (signposted from Europaring).

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

The K+ Café and the museum shop are in the Kaiser Wilhelm Museum (Joseph-Beuys-Platz 1). Umbrellas, backpacks and larger bags must be checked; handbags up to A4 size may go into the exhibition.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit