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June
On Open Society Day, people all over Germany take their tables and chairs outside and invite people to have conversations. K21 is taking part in this special day for the first time and invites you to inspiring encounters, discussions and workshops about art and society.
11 am - 4 pm: K21 Table Talks
Today, everyone is invited to get into dialogue with each other. About what? It doesn't matter! The main thing is that we sit together at a table and have fun exchanging ideas and engaging in constructive dialogue!
Participation free of charge
11.30 - 13.30: K21 workshop ‘Say it loud!’ (from 6 years) (in German)
What have you always wanted to say to the world? What do you want to stand up for? In the workshop posters are made, that convey your message.
Participation free of charge
11.30 am - 1.30 pm: K21 guided tour through the exhibition “Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger” (in German)
Participation free of charge
2 - 3 pm: K21 guided tour through the exhibition “Julie Mehretu” (in German)
Participation free of charge
Rethinking the Museum II
How to Display Modern Art Collections Today?
The collection of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen has undergone a fundamental transformation. It is now more diverse, global, and experimental than ever before. The new K20 collection display, Masterpieces from Etel Adnan to Andy Warhol (since July 6, 2024), embraces transnational and intergenerational storytelling, introduces feminist and global perspectives, and gives greater attention to regional narratives. Rethinking this museum involves breaking away from a linear, one-sided narrative and refocusing on alternative art histories.
In recent years, many museums have broadened their collections. New institutions dedicated to modern art such as Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and MSN Warsaw are emerging. But what connects these shifts, and what sets them apart? What do museums learn in the process of opening up—about their collections, their role as institutions, and their audiences? And what challenges do they face today? These questions mark a moment to reflect on current visions, curatorial strategies, and local challenges.
On June 26–27, 2025, the symposium Rethinking the Museum II will bring together internationally renowned museum directors in Düsseldorf to discuss the key questions confronting museums in the dynamic and crisis-ridden 21st century. We warmly invite you to join this exchange and reflect with us on the future of public institutions, their collections, and the narratives that shape art history today.
A Screening for Axel Wirths (1960 – 2025)
The IMAI – Inter Media Art Institute cordially invites you to a screening program on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 3-5 pm at Salon21 of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen. Together with artists and longtime collaborators, we remember Axel Wirths (1960 – 2025) – curator, producer, and agent – and his deep, lasting dedication to media art. We will be screening video works interwoven with personal recollections and moments from projects shaped together over the years.
As space is limited, we kindly ask you to register at info@stiftung-imai.de
August
5 pm Guided tour of the collection
6 pm Reading and discussion with Jurriaan Benschop on his books Why Paining Works and Salt in the Wound
Introduction: Christine Breitschopf in German
Moderation and discussion with the author: Vivien Trommer in English
About the Books:
In his books Why Painting Works (2023) and Salt in the Wound (2019), Benschop presents well-known contemporary artworks and talks to the artists about their work and their artistic roots.
About the Author:
Jurriaan Benschop is a Dutch writer and curator based in Athens and Berlin. He writes regularly for art magazines, including Artforum, and contributes to exhibition catalogues. Benschop has published 3 books to date.
