The Kunsthalle Bremen

Tradition and Modernism

More than 170 years ago, the Kunstverein in Bremen – founded in 1823 – built the Kunsthalle Bremen, Germany's first independent institution to house a civic collection, not far from Bremen's market square. The Kunsthalle remains privately supported by the Kunstverein in Bremen and has become one of the most important and beautiful museums in Europe with a diverse collection of artworks spanning eight centuries.

As a vital part of the cultural landscape, the museum not only sees itself as an exhibition venue, but also as a place to encounter and explore current issues and developments. Through the extensive historical collections and an active exhibition and event programme, the past and present, Bremen and the world are brought together in a productive dialogue. The aim is to awaken enthusiasm for the visual arts among all sections of the population and among people of all ages and different cultural backgrounds, as well as to create individual approaches. To this end, the Kunsthalle has been undergoing an active process of opening and diversification since the 2000s.