Public Tour in German
The Art of framing
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Please note this tour will be held in german!
Picture frames are important for the overall impression of the picture. They direct the eye, set accents, create boundaries and are evidence of style, zeitgeist or artistic attitude. It was not uncommon for the painters themselves to design the frames for their works.
This tour of our collection takes you on a journey from early picture frames to Expressionism. Take a closer look and focus on the art of framing.
Date
26 November 2025 – 22 March 2026
Location
» KunstpalastAdmission: 16 € / concessions 12 €
Children / young people under 18: free
Members of Friends of the Kunstpalast: free
What is the world made of? What holds it together? These fundamental questions have accompanied humanity for thousands of years. In ancient times, people initially sought simple principles to explain the diversity of nature and developed the doctrine of the four elements: earth, fire, water and air. They represent opposites, change and sensory experience.
The exhibition brings together artistic positions that oscillate between physics and philosophy, material and idea, nature and technology. Kemp, a tax consultant and art collector from Düsseldorf whose collection comprises over 3,000 works and was donated to the Kunstpalast in 2011, spent his life searching for new perspectives. His fascination with abstract tendencies in art, with the interplay of materiality, energy and perception, shapes this presentation. The exhibited works invite viewers to reflect on the boundaries of matter, spirit and perception. Around 70 works show how artists explored the material, immaterial and processual in art in new ways.

Earth – Archive of Time
The presentation begins by focusing on the earth as a symbol of origin and transience. For thousands of years, it has stood for fertility, stability and the cycle of life. But the earth is not only a mythological symbol, it is also a real material. Artists of the 20th century began to incorporate the diversity of soil materials into their work as an independent means of design. In the work Garden by Düsseldorf artist Günther Uecker, made of sand and stones, a landscape association becomes apparent – oscillating between renewal and destruction. Reliefs, collages and earthy textures make the nature of the world visible and give it a new, artistic expression. In this way, the earth becomes an archive of time in which natural and cultural layers overlap – traces of life that are rearranged by the hand of art.

Fire – The Power of Transformation
Hardly any other element embodies change as directly as fire. It destroys and creates at the same time. As a symbol of power, transformation and renewal, it runs through mythology, religion and art history. After the Second World War, fire became a driving force for transformation in art. Artists experimented with combustion processes, molten metals, sooty surfaces and intense colours. ZERO co-founder Otto Piene treated his canvases with fire, smoke and soot; he painted, sprayed and set them alight. Rupprecht Geiger used the luminous quality of colour to convey the energy of fire in his works. Whether in flaming colourful paintings or sculptures formed from glowing steel, fire became both a tool and a theme in the artistic search for a new beginning.

Air – Invisible Dynamics
Air is paradoxical: omnipresent yet invisible. It enables life on Earth and connects it to the infinite space of the sky. In art, it was initially depicted in the form of wind, fog or smoke, conveying depth and atmosphere. In the 20th century, air itself became the focus as a material: vibrations, pressure and movement became part of artistic experiments. Installations and kinetic objects make the invisible dynamics of the element tangible. Small Sail by New York-based German artist Hans Haacke is set in motion by a fan. Otto Piene’s fire gouache Red Icarus illustrates an energetic moment between departure and hubris. In these skyward-rising air sculptures, technology, nature and collective experience merge into an experience that draws attention to the relationship between humans and the environment. Air stands for freedom and transience, for the invisible that nevertheless has an effect.

Water – Form and Flow
Since ancient times, water has been regarded as the source of all life. It stands for change, movement and purity, for the constant transformation of matter and meaning. In modern and contemporary art, water also appears as a medium. Its flowing movement becomes a pictorial principle that emphasises blurring, transparency and change. From abstract paintings to objects, water serves as a symbol of the eternal cycle in which everything remains in flux. Gerhard Hoehme related these properties of water to those of paint: flow, impasto, layering and drying – to create an independent pictorial theme. Hans Haacke brings scientific processes to the fore and makes the water cycle visible in his work Tropfkugel (Drip Ball), which traces different states of aggregation. The element thus becomes a vehicle for social issues – between destruction and renewal, nature and culture.

The Fifth Element – World of Machines
The four elements alone are not enough to explain the world. Aristotle added ether, the ‘fifth element,’ which fills and orders the cosmos. The last three rooms of the exhibition are devoted to this invisible principle, which symbolically transcends the material world and deals with concepts such as energy, time, space and consciousness. Since the 1950s, numerous artists have devoted themselves to these immaterial dimensions. Light, movement, reflection and vibration replace traditional form. Materials such as glass, mirrors, aluminium and electronic components open up new possibilities for expression. The result is works that oscillate between substance and idea – sensually experienceable, but at the same time intellectually charged.

A universal principle
The Fifth Element – Works from the Kemp Collection invites visitors to take a fresh look at the world of the elements through the lens of art. It shows that the boundaries between nature, technology and imagination are fluid. The works in the exhibition reveal the inexhaustible energy of creativity: a cycle of transformation, observation and insight – driven by the curiosity that fuels both science and art.
Curator: Therés Lubinetzki, research assistant, Kemp Collection, Kunstpalast

Power Lab
Research begins with curiosity and unfolds through posing questions. By conducting experiments, we explore the phenomena of our environment: What structures and connects the universe? Which forces attract and which repel? How do bright colours emerge from white light?
Become researchers and artists yourselves – let the exhibition inspire you! Earth, fire, water, air and the mysterious fifth element serve here as starting points for your own ideas. At the stations, take some time to observe, experiment and create something new.

The Kemp collection
The Kemp Collection is one of Germany’s outstanding private collections of 20th and 21st century art. In addition to abstract painting, ZERO art, sculptures and works on paper, the collection built up by Willi Kemp and his wife Ingrid, who died prematurely, comprises a core of high-calibre works of Informel and colour field painting. In 2011, around 3,000 objects were donated to the Kunstpalast, and Kemp established the Kemp Collection Foundation for the research and dissemination of the holdings. His donation represents a significant enrichment and is presented in regular exhibitions.Learn more
Exhibition catalogue
Edited by Therés Lubinetzki | 120 pages | 23.5 x 28.5 cm | German | Hardcover |

Picture Credits
Picture Credits
TAIKO Concert Nights 2026
TAIKO – die Kunst des japanischen Trommelns
Gastveranstaltung
Sold out
Date
Sat 30 May 2026, 16:00
Location
» Robert-Schumann-SaalTicket prices
52,73 € (ermäßigt 32,28 €) zzgl. Servicegebühren

10 Jahre „TAIKO Concert Nights“ in Düsseldorf! Das wird ein Fest, wenn drei grandiose Taiko-Ensembles aus Japan und Europa die immense Kraft, Energie und Magie japanischer Trommelkunst vereint auf der Bühne zelebrieren!
TAIKO pur und authentisch. Ein mitreißendes Konzerterlebnis von enormer Leidenschaft, Emotionen und mächtigen, tief bewegenden Trommelklängen. Fesselnd schön, ausdrucksstark und einzigartig.
Gemeinsam wird die Schönheit, Vielfalt und Kraft des japanischen TAIKO Trommelns gefeiert – feiern Sie mit!
Einen kleinen Rückblick auf das Finale der TAIKO Concert Nights 2024 finden Sie hier.
KAISER DRUMS proudly presents die TAIKO Concert Nights 2026 mit:
WADAIKO KIZUNA Osaka / Japan
MUNEDAIKO Pesaro / Italien
TSUCHIGUMO DAIKO Glasgow / Schottland
Einen kurzen Trailer finden Sie hier.
Veranstalter: KAISER DRUMS Karin Kaiser
52,73 € (ermäßigt 32,28 €) zzgl. Servicegebühren
TAIKO – the art of Japanese drumming
10 years of “TAIKO Concert Nights” in Düsseldorf!
Get ready for an amazing celebration when three outstanding taiko ensembles from Japan and Europe join forces on stage presenting the immense power, vibrant energy, and magic of Japanese drumming!
TAIKO pure and authentic. A thrilling concert experience and exhilarating journey of tremendous passion, emotion and deeply moving drum beats that you won’t want to miss. Captivatingly beautiful, expressive and unique.
A celebration of the beauty, diversity, and power of Japanese TAIKO drumming. Come
and celebrate with us!
A short video of the finale of the Taiko Concert Nights 2024 can be found here.
KAISER DRUMS proudly presents the TAIKO Concert Nights 2026 with:
WADAIKO KIZUNA Osaka / Japan
MUNEDAIKO Pesaro / Italy
TSUCHIGUMO DAIKO Glasgow / Scotland
A short trailer is available here.
Promoter: KAISER DRUMS Karin Kaiser
52,73 € (concessions 32,28 €) plus service fees
TAIKO Concert Nights 2026
TAIKO – die Kunst des japanischen Trommelns
Gastveranstaltung
Tickets online kaufen
Date
Fri 29 May 2026, 20:00
Location
» Robert-Schumann-SaalTicket-Preise
52,73 € (ermäßigt 32,28 €) zzgl. Servicegebühren

10 Jahre „TAIKO Concert Nights“ in Düsseldorf! Das wird ein Fest, wenn drei grandiose Taiko-Ensembles aus Japan und Europa die immense Kraft, Energie und Magie japanischer Trommelkunst vereint auf der Bühne zelebrieren!
TAIKO pur und authentisch. Ein mitreißendes Konzerterlebnis von enormer Leidenschaft, Emotionen und mächtigen, tief bewegenden Trommelklängen. Fesselnd schön, ausdrucksstark und einzigartig.
Gemeinsam wird die Schönheit, Vielfalt und Kraft des japanischen TAIKO Trommelns gefeiert – feiern Sie mit!
Einen kleinen Rückblick auf das Finale der TAIKO Concert Nights 2024 finden Sie hier.
KAISER DRUMS proudly presents die TAIKO Concert Nights 2026 mit:
WADAIKO KIZUNA Osaka / Japan
MUNEDAIKO Pesaro / Italien
TSUCHIGUMO DAIKO Glasgow / Schottland
Einen kurzen Trailer finden Sie hier.
Veranstalter: KAISER DRUMS Karin Kaiser
52,73 € (ermäßigt 32,28 €) zzgl. Servicegebühren
Informationen zum Ticketkauf
Tickets online kaufen
TAIKO – the art of Japanese drumming
10 years of “TAIKO Concert Nights” in Düsseldorf!
Get ready for an amazing celebration when three outstanding taiko ensembles from Japan and Europe join forces on stage presenting the immense power, vibrant energy, and magic of Japanese drumming!
TAIKO pure and authentic. A thrilling concert experience and exhilarating journey of tremendous passion, emotion and deeply moving drum beats that you won’t want to miss. Captivatingly beautiful, expressive and unique.
A celebration of the beauty, diversity, and power of Japanese TAIKO drumming. Come
and celebrate with us!
A short video of the finale of the Taiko Concert Nights 2024 can be found here.
KAISER DRUMS proudly presents the TAIKO Concert Nights 2026 with:
WADAIKO KIZUNA Osaka / Japan
MUNEDAIKO Pesaro / Italy
TSUCHIGUMO DAIKO Glasgow / Scotland
A short trailer is available here.
Promoter: KAISER DRUMS Karin Kaiser
52,73 € (concessions 32,28 €) plus service fees
Ways to buy tickets
Buy tickets online
John Williams Reimagined
Legendäre Filmmusik neu interpretiert
Gastveranstaltung
Tickets online kaufen
Date
Wed 22 Oct 2025, 20:00
Location
» Robert-Schumann-SaalTicket-Preise
35,45/31,72/27,18 € zzgl. Servicegebühren

Robert Townson Productions & Overlook Events präsentieren:
John Williams Reimagined
Eine offizielle und intime Feier von John Williams
Tauchen Sie ein in die zeitlose Welt von John Williams – so, wie Sie sie noch nie gehört haben. John Williams Reimagined ist ein seltenes, intimes Konzertereignis, das die legendären Filmthemen des Komponisten in einer atemberaubenden neuen Form präsentiert — als Kammermusiktrio.
Von Star Wars über Schindlers Liste, E.T., Die Geisha bis hin zu Harry Potter – diese unvergesslichen Filmmusiken werden mit Eleganz und großer Emotionalität neu interpretiert von einem Ensemble von Weltklasse: Flötistin Sara Andon, Cellistin Cécilia Tsan und Pianist/Arrangeur Simone Pedroni. Persönlich von John Williams genehmigt, offenbaren diese einzigartigen Bearbeitungen die reine kompositorische Brillanz hinter der Kinomagie.
Dieses exklusive Projekt — ins Leben gerufen vom renommierten Filmmusikproduzenten Robert Townson — ist die Erfüllung eines Traums. Nach einer bewegenden Aufführung in Williams’ eigenem Studio nannte der Komponist es „eines der schönsten Geburtstagsgeschenke“, das er je erhalten habe.
Ob Sie ein langjähriger Fan sind oder John Williams’ Musik gerade erst entdecken — dies ist eine einmalige Gelegenheit, die Emotion, Tiefe und Schönheit seiner Werke in ihrer persönlichsten Form zu erleben. Auf einer Leinwand über den Künstlern werden beeindruckende Bilder aus seinen berühmtesten Filmen und seiner legendären Karriere gezeigt.
Begleiten Sie uns auf eine unvergessliche musikalische Reise — offiziell, intim und wahrhaft magisch.
Veranstalter: Overlook Events SAS
Informationen zum Ticketkauf
Tickets online kaufen
Robert Townson Productions & Overlook Events Present
JOHN WILLIAMS REIMAGINED
An Official and Intimate John Williams Celebration
Step into the timeless world of John Williams as you’ve never heard it before. John Williams Reimagined is a rare, intimate concert event bringing the legendary film composer’s most iconic themes to life in a breathtaking new setting — chamber trio.
From Star Wars to Schindler’s List, E.T., Memoirs of a Geisha and Harry Potter, these beloved scores are reinterpreted with elegance and emotion by a world-class ensemble: flutist Sara Andon, cellist Cécilia Tsan, and pianist/arranger Simone Pedroni. Personally approved by John Williams himself, these unique transcriptions reveal the pure compositional brilliance behind the cinematic magic.
This exclusive project — a creation from the renowned film music producer Robert Townson — is the result of a dream turned into reality. After a heartfelt performance in Williams’ own studio, the composer called it “one of the best birthday gifts” he’d ever received.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Williams’ music anew, this is a one-of-a-kind chance to experience the emotion, depth, and beauty of his music in its most personal form. On a screen over the performers will be beautiful imagery from these classic films and from John Williams’ legendary career.
Join us for an unforgettable musical journey — intimate, official, and truly magical.
Promoter: Overlook Events SAS
Information on tickets
Buy tickets online
Kunstpalast in Bloom
17 Apr – 26 Apr 2026


The Kunstpalast in full bloom: for the third time, at the start of spring, floral masterpieces by Düsseldorf florists enter into a dialogue with the artworks on display in the permanent collection. From roses and cherry branches to thistles – they all take centre stage at the Kunstpalast. Unfamiliar sightlines and juxtapositions invite visitors to venture new perspectives on art and to view nature from a completely different angle.

Around 30 floral creations are on display alongside the objects featured in the exhibition – naturally only for a short time – and offer a unique sensory experience, both visually and olfactorily. Eight renowned florists have accepted the Kunstpalast’s invitation to engage with the collection and develop interpretations that relate to individual works or entire rooms within the exhibition.

The Kunstpalast is the first museum in Germany to undertake a project of this scale that combines visual art and floristry in order to appeal to people who have not traditionally been part of the typical exhibition-going public. Similar formats are already well established in several museums in the USA, such as the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Florists
Blumenhaus am Hofgarten – Tino Hoogterp, Luisa König, Jule Schnaugst, Kristina Janet Schacke
Blumenbinderei Lehmann – Victoria Bernds
Dornrose – Sabine Krusekopf
Blüten&meer – Janina Rüger
Nymph Blumen – Alla Mandic & Team
October First Studio – Nina Gehrke
Tannendiele – Michael Frings, Astrid Franke, Yeo Jin Choi, Nele Pelz
Victor Breuer – Victor Breuer, Nele Münzer, Dominik Zelles
View of last year’s editions
Picture Credits
Picture Credits
Mother’s Day special
Sponsored by L’Oréal Paris
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Secure tickets now

Mother’s Day is all about appreciation – for the women who have shaped us and for ourselves.
True to the motto “Because I am worth it”, our sponsor L’Oréal Paris would like to give you a special day at the Kunstpalast on May 11, 2025. Visit our exhibition “MAMA. From Maria to Merkel” at a reduced price of € 5 instead of € 16. We will have extended opening hours on this day and will be open from 10 am.
Walter Sittler | Johann von Bülow
Lesung
Ich gebe Ihnen mein Ehrenwort! Die Weltgeschichte der Lüge
ausverkauft
Date
Sun 29 Mar 2026, 17:00
Location
» Robert-Schumann-SaalTicket-Preise
34/30/26/18 € (ermäßigt 28/24/18/15 €) zzgl. Servicegebühren

I give you my word of honor! The world history of lies
Lies are the cement of world history. The documents that founded the Papal States and made Hamburg a Hanseatic city – forged! Then the 19th century – the great age of impostors. They sell the Eiffel Tower and the city of London in pieces. And in the 20th century, of course, no one was planning to build a wall in Berlin or have a “sexual relationship with that woman”…
Following the huge success of this reading in Hamburg in honor of Roger Willemsen and Dieter Hildebrandt, Johann von Bülow (Willemsen) and Walter Sittler (Hildebrandt) are now bringing a newly arranged, gently updated version to the stage. The top-class duo throw scandalous untruths and devious intrigues around – much to the entertainment of the audience, who will probably be a few illusions poorer after this evening.
Veranstalter: Kunstpalast, Robert-Schumann-Saal
Knapper Wohnraum. Entwürfe für eine soziale Stadt
Talk im Belvedere zur Spot-On Ausstellung Chris Reinecke
ABGESAGT

In jungen Jahren bedeutete Kunst für Chris Reinecke (*1936) öffentliches Handeln. Die in Düsseldorf ausgebildete und tätige Künstlerin gründete Anfang der 1970er Jahre die Selbsthilfeorganisation „Mietersolidarität“, die sich unter anderem für gedeckelte Mieten im Stadtgebiet der Landeshauptstadt einsetzte. Im Talk werden Reineckes Arbeiten zu diesem Thema vorgestellt und aktuellen Projekten zur Bekämpfung knappen Wohnraums in Städten gegenübergestellt. Prof. Dr. Renée Tribble, Professorin für Städtebau an der TU Dortmund und Mitbegründerin der GbR Planbude erläutert heutige Konzepte, die dem weiterhin aktuellen Problem begegnen und sich für eine soziale Stadt einsetzen. In Düsseldorf machte sich in den letzten Jahren die „Planwerkstatt“ einen Namen für sozialverträgliches Bauen. Diese Initiative stellt Leonie Wendel vom Planwerkstatt Düsseldorf e.V. vor. Nach den drei Kurzvorträgen gibt es Gelegenheit, gemeinsam über das Thema „knapper Wohnraum“ zu diskutieren.
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