Kunst- und Kulturstiftung Würth

Kunst- und Kulturstiftung Würth. Established in 1987 by entrepreneur Reinhold Würth, the foundation is a central pillar of the cultural engagement of the Würth Group. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and public presentation of modern and contemporary art, as well as the promotion of cultural and scientific projects. With a globally significant art collection and numerous exhibition venues, it has established itself as a major player in the international cultural landscape.

Geschichte

The foundation's origins are closely linked to the private collecting passion of Reinhold Würth, who began acquiring artworks in the 1960s. In 1987, he formally established the Kunst- und Kulturstiftung Würth to provide a sustainable structure for his cultural activities. A significant early step was the opening of the first dedicated exhibition space, the Kunsthalle Würth in Schwäbisch Hall, in 2001. Under the long-standing leadership of C. Sylvia Weber, the foundation has continuously expanded its scope, adding major venues like the Museum Würth in Künzelsau and the Museo Würth La Rioja in Spain. Key milestones include the integration of the collection of the Deutsche Bank and major exhibitions featuring artists like Anselm Kiefer and Georg Baselitz.

Stiftungszweck und Tätigkeitsfelder

The foundation's statutory purpose is the promotion of art and culture, as well as science and research. Its primary field of activity is the systematic expansion and scholarly processing of its own art collection. Furthermore, it realizes a diverse exhibition program across its own museums and in cooperation with international institutions like the Louvre and the State Hermitage Museum. Beyond visual arts, the foundation supports music projects, such as the Würth Philharmoniker, and awards prizes like the Würth Prize for European Literature. It also engages in the restoration of cultural monuments and funds academic positions at universities.

Sammlung und Ausstellungen

The Würth Collection comprises over 18,000 works, focusing on German Expressionism, post-war art, and international contemporary art. It features extensive holdings of works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Beckmann, and Georg Baselitz, as well as significant pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Anselm Kiefer. The foundation's exhibition strategy includes both presenting highlights from its collection and organizing ambitious thematic shows. Notable past exhibitions have been dedicated to Edvard Munch, Joan Miró, and Auguste Rodin, often developed in collaboration with major museums like the Museum of Modern Art and the Kunsthalle Bremen.

Standorte und Einrichtungen

The foundation operates a network of exhibition houses internationally. Its flagship in Germany is the Museum Würth in Künzelsau, designed by Mario Botta. The Kunsthalle Würth in Schwäbisch Hall is another key venue, located in a historical building. In Austria, the Kunstforum Würth in Wels presents a regular program. Internationally, it runs the Museo Würth La Rioja in Agoncillo, Spain, and the Würth Museum in Rorschach, Switzerland. Further facilities include the Forum Würth in Arlesheim and the Würth Haus in Berlin, which serve as cultural meeting points.

Kooperationen und Projekte

Collaboration with renowned cultural institutions is a cornerstone of the foundation's work. It has partnered with the Louvre on exhibitions of antique art and with the Albertina in Vienna. A long-term cooperation exists with the Museo Nacional del Prado. Beyond exhibitions, it supports the Würth Philharmoniker, an orchestra founded by Reinhold Würth. The foundation is also a partner of the documenta in Kassel and initiates its own scholarly projects, such as the publication of the catalogue raisonné of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's drawings. Educational programs in partnership with local schools and universities complete its project portfolio.

Category:Foundations based in Germany Category:Art museums and galleries in Germany Category:Art foundations Category:1987 establishments in West Germany