Pforzheim Galerie

Current exhibitions

About the museum

Even before World War II, Pforzheim had a municipal gallery in the Bohnenberger Schlössle, but its holdings were almost entirely lost when the city was destroyed; only Carl Spitzweg's painting "Der Mineraloge" (The Mineralogist) survived. Today's Pforzheim Galerie grew out of civic engagement: art lovers around Joachim Rösch campaigned for a municipal art museum and founded a circle of friends and supporters that still backs the gallery with acquisitions and grants. The museum is run by the City of Pforzheim's cultural office.

The museum occupies around 800 square meters in an Art Nouveau building on Bleichstraße belonging to the jewelry company Kollmar & Jourdan, which operated worldwide until 1978. The tall, bright factory rooms shape the character of the exhibitions; the same building also houses the Technisches Museum der Pforzheimer Schmuck- und Uhrenindustrie (technical museum of Pforzheim's jewelry and watch industry).

The collection focuses on works by 19th- to 21st-century artists with ties to Pforzheim and the northern Black Forest – from Hans Meid, Richard Ziegler and Emil Bizer to Gerlinde Beck, Hetum Gruber and Manfred Mohr. A particular focus is on works by teachers at the design faculty of Pforzheim University, such as Jürgen Brodwolf and Ben Willikens. In addition to changing presentations from the collection, the gallery mounts two contemporary art exhibitions each year, which are documented online in 360-degree tours and videos.

Highlights

• Municipal art collection with regional art from the 19th to the 21st century
• Works by teachers at Pforzheim University, including Jürgen Brodwolf and Ben Willikens
• Carl Spitzweg's "Der Mineraloge", the only surviving work from the prewar gallery
• Tall factory rooms in the Kollmar & Jourdan Art Nouveau building
• Exhibition "15. ORTSZEIT" on the theme of freedom (through November 15, 2026)

Operated by

Stadt Pforzheim – Kulturamt

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

Accessible according to the City of Pforzheim; however, the elevator is only suitable for narrow wheelchairs.

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

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

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit