Spot On
Only Murders in the Museum
November 4, 2025 – May 3, 2026
Whether dramatically staged or soberly depicted, whether rendered in rich detail or suggested in broad strokes: for centuries, murder in all its facets has been a subject of art. We encounter it in depictions of ancient myths, biblical stories and historical events, as well as in contemporary imagery. The fascination with such works lies in their emotionality and their attempt to give expression to the incomprehensible and shocking.
Twenty-two works from the collection, including paintings, prints and sculptures, have been selected, covering the period from the 16th century to the present day. They tell different stories of the innocent and the guilty, of cold-blooded deeds and tragic fates.
The works provide an opportunity to question one’s own view of such deeds and their depiction. At the same time, they reveal a great deal about how society deals with murder: in some works, violence is glorified, in others it is justified on religious or political grounds, and in still others, structural problems become apparent. Ultimately, murders in art are always a reflection of their time.
The cabinet exhibition was curated by Hannah Steinmetz, research assistant, Collection of Paintings up to 1900 at the Kunstpalast.
Picture credits
Picture credits