Museum

The cornerstones for the MdbK were laid in 1858 when members of the Leipziger Kunstverein realized their ambition to establish a museum in cooperation with a civic foundation. Over 150 years later, the MdbK is filled with history, reflecting Leipzig as a city of art.

History

the first building, constructed 1854-1858
the first building, constructed 1854-1858

Maximilian Speck von Sternburg was one of the great admirers of art in the 19th century. Marion Bühler-Brockhaus and her husband gathered a significant collection of French 19th century paintings. Harald Falckenberg of Hamburg is one of the best-known collectors of the present age. Together, they – and many others – align with a tradition that dates more than 150 years back: in 1848, the Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig was founded by merchants, publishers, traders and bankers of the city. From that point in time onwards, numerous collectors have followed in their footsteps, contributing to the museum through bestowments and foundations. Their passion for art and their individual focal points are still perceivable in tours around the collection.

Architecture

Museumshall 1. Floor, Foto:Werner Huthmacher, Berlin
Museumshall 1. Floor, Foto:Werner Huthmacher, Berlin
Museumshall 1. Floor, Foto:Werner Huthmacher, Berlin
Museumshall 1. Floor, Foto:Werner Huthmacher, Berlin
Neo Rauch Room, Permanent Collection © VG Bild-Kunst Bonn, 2018; Foto:PUNCTUM/Alexander Schmidt
Neo Rauch Room, Permanent Collection © VG Bild-Kunst Bonn, 2018; Foto:PUNCTUM/Alexander Schmidt
Permanent Collection, Foto: PUNCTUM/Alexander Schmidt
Permanent Collection, Foto: PUNCTUM/Alexander Schmidt
Foto:Werner Huthmacher, Berlin
Foto:Werner Huthmacher, Berlin

Designed by Berlin architects Hufnagel / Pütz / Rafaelian, the 36-meter high glass cube peeks out of the surrounding structures. Courtyards and terraces surround the museum complex and blend into the city through adoption of the architectural style of the Leipzig passages. The generosity of space inside is uniquely defined through its play with different visual axes and an outlook onto the urban landscape. The material fusion of glass, concrete, limestone and oak mark the interior, endowing it with a vibrant appeal. The presentation of contemporary artworks and installations that are integrated into the design of our corridors, terraces, and courtyards demonstrate a skilful meeting of art and architecture.

Library

The Readingroom, Foto: PUNCTUM, Leipzig
The Readingroom, Foto: PUNCTUM, Leipzig

The MdbK has a reference library with free access for everyone. Staff is always available to assist you with the use of our resources. If you wish to conduct extensive research in our library, please give us a call beforehand.

One of Germany’s largest museum libraries, our art historical collection comprises 100.000 items. The library’s origination dates back to the year 1837, when citizens of Leipzig founded the local art society, which would later also be responsible for the establishment of our museum. Our library is oriented towards suiting the museum’s collections, and draws contemporary literature about art from regional and international circles. A particular focus is set on art and culture from a time span between the 17th and the 19th century. Important source material for art historical literature ranges from guides about European art centers to contemporary monographs and a unique collection of rare exhibition catalogues. The library holds international collections catalogues, as well. 

The library is open on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment (T: +49 341 216 999 56, M: sebastian.stumpe@leipzig.de).

Contact
Team MdbK

Directorate

Dr. Stefan Weppelmann, Director

Dr. Jeannette Stoschek, Deputy Director, Head of Collections

Gabriele Pätow, Secretary to the Director
+49 341 216 999 20

Dr. Sabine Hoffmann, Academic Assistant to the Director
+49 341 216 999 19

Dr. Sylva Dörfer, Head of Communication and Participation
+49 341 216 999 50

MdbK [in transit]

Sithara Weeratunga, Agent for Diversity / 360° - Programme of the German Federal Cultural Foundation
+49 341 216 999 51

Olga Vostretsova, Agent for Diversity / 360° - Programme of the German Federal Cultural Foundation
+49 341 216 999 63

Collections

Dr. Jeannette Stoschek, Head of Graphic Collection
+49 341 216 999 40

Dr. Jan Nicolaisen, Head of Painting and Sculpture
+49 341 216 999 45

Dr. Marcus Andrew Hurttig, Curator of Painting 20th and 21st Century, 21st Century in drawings and prints
+49 341 216 999 17

Dr. Philipp Freytag, Curator Photography and Media Arts
+49 341 216 999 64

Dr. Ulrike Saß, Provenance Research
+49 341 216 999 62

Susanne Petri, Research Assistant, Documentation and Graphic 20th Century
+49 341 216 999 12

Sabine Schmidt, Staff member for Digitalisation, Reproductions and Digital Documentation
+49 341 216 999 18

Linda Wagner, Loan Management & Collection Registry
+49 341 216 999 28

Ulrike Milde, Loan Management & Collection Registry
+49 341 216 998 23

Marko Kloss, Collection Manager
+49 341 216 999 44

Uwe Wagner, Collection Manager
+49 341 216 999 31

Aurelia Rager, Assistant Curator
+49 341 216 999 35

Louise Charlotte Schmidt, Assistant Curator
+49 341 216 999 29

Restoration

Rüdiger Beck, Head
+49 341 216 999 25

Antje Hake, Paintings Conservator
+49 341 216 999 61

Sarah Storz, Paper Conservator
+49 341 216 999 22

Library & Artist Archive

Sebastian Stumpe, Librarian
+49 341 216 999 56

External Collections / EVELYN RICHTER & URSULA ARNOLD ARCHIV of the Ostdeutsche Sparkassenstiftung

Dr. Jeannette Stoschek, Head

Art Education

Carolin Rothmund, Head
+49 341 216 999 27

Hermine Brietzel, Art Mediator (on parental leave)
+49 341 216 999 49

Kirsten Lemm, Art Mediator
+49 341 216 999 58

Anna Jäger, Art Mediator, Booking Service
+49 341 216 999 23

Julia Bröker, Scientific Trainee
+49 341 216 999 43

Public Relations, Marketing & Event

Jörg Dittmer, Head
+49 341 216 999 42

Sonja Lucia Gatterwe, Press and Online Communication
+ 49 341 216 999 26

Dirk Kuntze, New Media
+ 49 341 216 995 30

Ulrike Otto, Press and Visitor Services
+ 49 341 216 999 14

Lena Dahlberg, Scientific Trainee
+ 49 341 216 999 34

Fundraising & Rentals

Katrin Siegmeyer, Employee
+49 341 216 999 47

Administration

Anne-Kathrin Herrmann, Head
+49 341 216 999 15

Janet Schirmer, Clerkess/ Museum shop
+49 341 216 999 36

Tim Sachse, Sachbearbeiter/Museumsshop
+49 341 216 999 16

Security & Facility Management

Torsten Cech, Head
+49 341 216 999 30, Mobil: +49 175 2088018

Sven Hottenrott, Museum Carpenter
+49 341 216 999 38

Karsten Hummel, Building Services
+49 341 216 999 39

Dennis Kuhn, Haustechniker
+49 341 216 999 39

Jens Wuttke, Techniker haustechnische Anlagen
+49 341 216 99 969