Museum Insel Hombroich

Current exhibitions

About the museum

In 1982 the Düsseldorf real estate entrepreneur and art collector Karl-Heinrich Müller acquired the overgrown grounds of a former park on the Erft River near Neuss. His idea was to show his collection not in a conventional museum building but in individual pavilions set in the midst of nature. After further land purchases, landscape architect Bernhard Korte transformed the site into a park and floodplain landscape; the museum opened to visitors in the mid-1980s.

Its defining features are the brick, walk-in sculptures by sculptor Erwin Heerich, such as the Tower, the Labyrinth and the Twelve-Room House. Painter Gotthard Graubner developed the presentation concept: Khmer sculptures and early Chinese art stand without commentary alongside European art from Rembrandt to classical modernism and works by artists from Müller's circle. There is no artificial lighting, nor are there labels or texts – the works are meant to have an immediate effect.

In the 1990s the neighboring former NATO missile base was added and converted into a site for artists' studios, architecture projects and exhibitions. Today the museum, the Raketenstation (missile station) and the Kirkeby-Feld are run by the Stiftung Insel Hombroich. Other institutions such as the Langen Foundation and the Skulpturenhalle have settled nearby, creating a coherent cultural landscape. Individual buildings are currently being renovated.

Highlights

• Eleven walk-in sculpture buildings by Erwin Heerich in a floodplain landscape
• Daylight museum without labels, artificial lighting or didactic texts
• Khmer sculptures and early Chinese art in dialogue with European art
• Simple buffet in the cafeteria as a gesture of hospitality
• Raketenstation with the Siza Pavilion and artists' studios within walking distance

Permanent exhibitions

• Sammlungspräsentation – Karl-Heinrich Müller's collection spread across the pavilions: Asian and archaic art alongside European painting and sculpture, presented in daylight without labels.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Stiftung Insel Hombroich

Director

Roland Nachtigäller (Geschäftsführer der Stiftung)

Admission & discounts

Admission includes the cafeteria buffet. Temporary exhibitions in the Siza Pavilion at the Raketenstation: €6, reduced €4.

Accessibility

• Partially 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
• Audio description: no information

According to the foundation, the grounds are not accessible: the regular entrance is via a staircase, step-free access is available until one hour before closing; some paths are graveled. Dogs are not allowed on the museum grounds. Website information available in Plain Language.

Kids & families

Please supervise children at all times. Free admission up to age 5.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Cafeteria with a simple seasonal buffet made from regional products wherever possible, daily until one hour before closing. Café Biemel at the Raketenstation (seasonal). Guesthouse "Kloster" at the Raketenstation with 12 bookable rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Spaces for rent include the Haus für Musiker, the event hall, the Fontana Pavilion and the Kloster guesthouse (seminar room for up to 25 people) for conferences and workshops.

Plan your visit