Since 1837 bourgeois commitment to art
The Kunsthalle Darmstadt, supported by one of the oldest art associations in Germany, promotes the new and seeks the common. This is our mission – for the citizens of the city, neighbors in the region, and guests from afar. Founded in 1833/37, and thus one of the oldest art associations in Germany, the Kunstverein Darmstadt e.V. has a long tradition. An emancipated citizenry in the nineteenth century wished for a framework for the fine arts besides the courtly theater and music institutions. The driving force behind this foundation was the printer and engraver Jakob Felsing (1802–1883), who had returned to Darmstadt in 1832 after a ten-year stay in Italy; he directed the Kunstverein until 1876.
The Kunstverein until 1889
Changing exhibition venues determined the life of the Kunstverein in the Grand Duchy of Hesse, which was still under the Protectorate of the Grand Duke. Numerous satellite locations such as Offenbach, Mainz, Worms, Friedberg, and Gießen were established. The lively exchange with art associations in Southern Germany promoted the private collection and promotion of the artists.
Photography: Stadtarchiv Darmstadt
The Kunstverein from 1889
In the new building in 1889 the Kunstverein was able to organize numerous exhibitions with a regional and national appeal, but also with future-oriented significance. In addition to the task of organizing exhibitions, membership contributions were invested in works of art. The Kunstverein had in good times 3,000 members and up to 1929 a considerable fortune, which was lost during the Great Depression. The change in society left its mark.
Photography: Stadtarchiv Darmstadt
The Kunstverein from 1945
Already in 1945 the renamed Neue Hessische Kunstverein, later the Darmstädter Kunstverein, began to mount exhibitions in different locations, and also organized lectures and small study trips. A new era began with the construction of the new Kunsthalle in 1957. It opened with the exhibition Kunst aus Darmstädter Privatbesitz (Art from Darmstadt’s private collections) by Prince Ludwig of Hesse and the Rhine, which combined modernity with tradition and citizenship. The Kunsthalle was the city’s only urban exhibition venue, until the Mathildenhöhe was reestablished. The art association soon reached a size of 800 members. The cooperation between the community, the Neue Darmstadt Secession, and the Kunstverein contributed to Darmstadt’s reputation as a cultural city.
Photography: Stadtarchiv Darmstadt, exhibition 1968
The Kunstverein today
After completion of the renovation of the Kunsthalle the association is again a place for its members and the public, to be used for various cultural events and communication as well as exhibitions.
© Kunsthalle Darmstadt / Photo: Anke Müllerklein
