Kunsthalle Kiel: New director brings a breath of fresh air despite construction delays!

Kunsthalle Kiel: New director brings a breath of fresh air despite construction delays!

There is a lot happening in the art and cultural sector in Schleswig-Holstein! The Kunsthalle Kiel is currently undergoing extensive renovation, which will last until 2029. This ambitious project is being funded with around 49.5 million euros, with both the state of Schleswig-Holstein from the infrastructure modernization program IMPULS and the federal government providing significant sums. Culture Minister Karin Prien emphasizes how important the Kunsthalle is as a location for art and culture and emphasizes the connection between art, culture and climate protection in Kiel. Finance Minister Monika Heinold also emphasized the sustainable aspects of the renovation, which are intended to offer visitors modern art experiences. Not only 30 million euros from state funds have been taken into account for the renovation, but also funding of around 19.5 million euros from the KulturInvest program, which was approved in September 2022.

The new director of the Kunsthalle, Stefanie Böttcher, will take up her position in September 2026 and comes from a new background: she replaces Anette Hüsch, a challenge that she approaches with fresh ideas and a clear eye for contemporary art. Böttcher already brings a lot of experience from her previous work at the Kunsthalle Mainz. This experience is also urgently needed because the opening of the renovated halls has been postponed for another year, which resulted in a less positive mood at the first press conference.

A departure for art and culture

However, Böttcher sees the current challenges not only as obstacles, but rather as opportunities for a new departure. She would like to incorporate references to the sea and topics such as climate change into the exhibitions, as this is of great importance for Kiel. Their vision is to keep art and culture alive in the region through various programs and events that will take place both locally and digitally while the Kunsthalle remains closed.

During the closure period, important restoration measures, the digitization of the collection and provenance research will also be carried out. The art gallery is not only an important institution of the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, but also the seat of the Schleswig-Holstein Art Association, which was founded in 1843. The historic building, which was built as a daylight museum and was rebuilt after destruction in the Second World War, is a listed building.

However, the road to recovery is not without challenges. Delays in the start of construction are primarily due to federal funds that have not yet been released. Nevertheless, Böttcher remains optimistic that with her ambition and vision for the Kunsthalle she can provide many new impulses to make this art venue a lively meeting place for art lovers and the broader public. Her return to Northern Germany, close to the Baltic States and Scandinavia, is also a pleasant turn for her, promising new perspectives and ideas.

In summary, it can be said that the renovation of the Kunsthalle Kiel represents not only a financial but also a major cultural project for the region. The coming years will bring a lot of excitement and perhaps a few surprises regarding the future of this traditional house. The developments at the Kunsthalle will keep both local and national art lovers on the edge of their seats.

For more information about the renovation plans and the Kunsthalle itself, you can visit the websites of Kunsthalle Kiel and NDR.