Kunstsammlung K21, Dusseldorf

The Kunstsammlung K21, housed in the historic Standehaus in Dusseldorf, is a cornerstone of the Kunstsammlung, which curates an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Established in 1961, the Kunstsammlung includes three venues: K20 at Grabbeplatz, K21 in the Standehaus, and the Schmela Haus, each enriching the artistic landscape of Dusseldorf.

The K21 venue opened in 2002 within the stately Standehaus, a neo-Renaissance building designed by Julius Raschdorff. Originally built between 1876 and 1880, the Standehaus has served various governmental functions, including as the meeting place for the Provincial Diet of the Prussian Rhineland and later as the Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia until 1988. Its transformation into a museum space in the early 2000s was spearheaded by the architects Kiessler+Partner of Munich, who retained the exterior's historic charm while crafting a contemporary interior crowned by a unique, elongated glass dome that gives the structure a modern edge.

Inside, K21 emphasizes immersive experiences, focusing on artist installations and large-scale works spread across 5,300 square meters. Key features include a central square (piazza), framed by continuous arcade passageways, and a preserved historic staircase leading to multiple gallery levels. With an education department providing workshops, studios, and interactive experiences, K21 ensures that art is accessible and engaging for all visitors.

K21’s addition to Dusseldorf’s cultural scene complements the more modern-focused K20 and the intimate Schmela Haus, collectively offering more than 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and a robust program dedicated to 20th-century and contemporary art.