April 25, 2026 – October 25, 2026
Meisterwerke
Reopening show for the 100th anniversary of the Emschertal-Museum featuring highlights from 80 years of collecting, organized by theme: architecture, industry, structure, material, and portrait.
Städtische Galerie im Schlosspark Strünkede
Art gallery of the Emschertal-Museum in an 1896 Art Nouveau villa in Schlosspark Strünkede in Herne – reopened in April 2026 after renovation.
Opening hoursAdmission from €2.50 Partially accessible
Current exhibitions
About the museum
The aristocratic von Forell family had the villa built next to Schloss Strünkede in 1896 after selling the castle, which had been affected by mining subsidence. However, the family lived in the brick building with its half-timbered oriels, terrace, and conservatory for only a few years; from around 1900 it was home to directors of Harpener Bergbau AG, which is why the house is also known as Villa Hilgenstock.
In 1960 the city of Herne bought the building and in 1961 converted it into an exhibition venue as a branch of the Emschertal-Museum. From 1964 it hosted regular exhibitions of contemporary and regional art, and in 1978 it was named Städtische Galerie (Municipal Gallery). The collection comprises more than 7,000 works, mainly works on paper from after 1945, with more than 3,500 drawings, plus prints by Picasso, Chagall, and Dalí and works by Herne artists' groups and the "junger westen" group.
The gallery was closed in 2016 due to roof damage. A renovation costing around two million euros from April 2024 to March 2026, funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the LWL (Westphalia-Lippe regional association), repaired the facade and roof, renewed the building services, made the first floor accessible, and uncovered historic Art Nouveau interiors. The building reopened on April 24, 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the Emschertal-Museum.
Highlights
- Art Nouveau villa from 1896 with uncovered floors, paneling, and stucco ceilings
- More than 3,500 drawings and works on paper from after 1945
- 100 lithographs by Salvador Dalí for Dante's "Inferno"
- Prints by Picasso and Chagall
- Works by the groups "Herner Künstler" and "junger westen"
- Founded
- 1978
- Operated by
- Stadt Herne (Emschertal-Museum)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €0.50free up to age 5 · Children and school students aged 6 to 17 €0.50. |
Separate admission from Schloss Strünkede. The RuhrKunstMuseen portal lists €3.50 for special exhibitions; the city of Herne gives €2.50 for the gallery.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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
Since the renovation, accessible entry to the first floor via a small outdoor lift at the stairs, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms; no information available on the upper floors.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
In the painting studio of the Emschertal-Museum (children ages 6 to 10, free, registration required), children also discover the current exhibitions of the Städtische Galerie.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Schloss Strünkede
U35 and bus lines SB20 and 362 to the Schloss Strünkede stop; by car via the A42, exit Herne-Baukau.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Occasional public guided tours, e.g., on October 4, 2026, at 15:00 on the history of the villa and the exhibition "Meisterwerke" (free, no registration required). |
