At the turn of the 20th century, a time marked by rapid scientific advancements, technological innovations, and significant societal shifts, a group of visionary young artists in Munich embarked on a mission to revolutionize art and reform everyday life. The movement they created, known as Jugendstil—the German variant of Art Nouveau—sought to break away from traditional artistic norms and integrate art into daily life in a way that was functional, beautiful, and forward-thinking.

The upcoming exhibition Jugendstil. Made in Munich at the Kunsthalle München explores the critical role Munich played as the cradle of Jugendstil in Germany. Focusing on the work of pioneering artists such as Richard Riemerschmid, Hermann Obrist, and Margarethe von Brauchitsch, the exhibition will offer a comprehensive overview of the movement’s impact on various disciplines, from painting and sculpture to design, fashion, and photography. These artists were not only influential in shaping the visual language of the time but also laid the foundation for modern art and design as we know it today.

Through a rich selection of objects—including artworks, graphics, sculptures, fashion pieces, and photographs—the exhibition captures the essence of Jugendstil’s aesthetic and its aim to harmonize art and life. Visitors will gain insight into the bold, innovative ideas that sought to challenge the status quo and introduce a new vision of modernity, where art was not just to be viewed but lived. Munich, as a hub of creativity at the time, provided the perfect environment for these groundbreaking ideas to flourish.

This exhibition is a collaborative project between the Kunsthalle München and the Münchner Stadtmuseum. It will run from October 25, 2024, to March 23, 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Munich’s Jugendstil era. The program includes guided tours on Mondays and Wednesdays at 15:30, Thursdays at 18:00, Fridays at 11:30, and Saturdays at 13:00. Special children’s tours will take place during the holidays on October 28, December 23 and 30, and March 3 at 15:00. Additionally, storyteller Joe Henselewski will delight children with a Märchenstunde (Fairy Tale Hour) on November 2, January 4, and March 8, also at 15:00.

For those interested in delving deeper into the curatorial insights, special curator-led tours will be held on November 13, December 4, January 8, February 12 and 26, and March 12 at 18:30. Visitors looking for a more relaxed after-work experience can enjoy AfterworkKH events on November 20, January 15, February 19, and March 19. These evenings will include guided tours starting at 18:30, followed by a DJ set by DJ Alkalino and a tombola, creating a festive atmosphere that extends until 22:00.

In addition to these tours and events, the exhibition will feature an exciting program of lectures, talks, and a concert, all designed to enrich the visitor’s understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Jugendstil in Munich.

For tickets and more information, please visit the Kunsthalle München’s website or stop by at Theatinerstr. 8, 80333 Munich. Don’t miss this chance to explore one of the most innovative and influential art movements of the modern era.

At the turn of the 20th century, a group of forward-thinking artists in Munich set out to transform art and reshape society. Amidst a backdrop of rapid technological advancements, scientific discoveries, and significant social change, these artists embraced the vision of a more just and sustainable future. Pioneers like Richard Riemerschmid, Hermann Obrist, and Margarethe von Brauchitsch rejected historical traditions in favor of a new aesthetic that integrated art into every aspect of life. Their groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern art and design. This exhibition, featuring works across painting, graphic art, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, and fashion, explores Munich’s pivotal role in the rise of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) in Germany, and reflects on how the themes of innovation and societal reform remain relevant today.

This exhibition is a collaboration between Kunsthalle München and the Münchner Stadtmuseum. For more information about the exhibition, please CLICK HERE.