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Franz Marc, Fuchs (Blauschwarzer Fuchs), 1911, oil on canvas, 50 × 63,5 cm, Von der Heydt-Museum Wuppertal, Photo: Medienzentrum Wuppertal
Vibrant colors, deeply moving themes, and world-famous animal images—what makes the art of Franz Marc (1880–1916) so fascinating to this day? The first comprehensive exhibition in a German museum in over twenty years “Franz Marc. The Quest for a Better World” at K20 invites visitors to rediscover the life and work of this outstanding artist. Through January 24, 2027, visitors have the unique opportunity to experience masterpieces spanning every phase of the career of the Expressionist and co-founder of “Der Blaue Reiter” in one place.
Thanks to the support of numerous national and international public and private lenders, over 120 paintings and works on paper have been brought together. The exhibition traces the artist’s career—which spanned only a few years but was extraordinarily productive—in all its diversity, from his early works to his later, groundbreaking, and increasingly abstract compositions. Highlights include Marc’s iconic animal paintings and striking depictions of nature, which rank among the most famous works of classical modernism.
Join Felix Kammerer on a tour of the exhibition “Franz Marc. The Quest for a Better World”
The Austrian actor, a permanent ensemble member of the Burgtheater in Vienna, narrated the audio guide for the exhibition. Kammerer gained international recognition for his leading role in the film "All Quiet on the Western Front", which won the 2023 Oscar for Best International Feature Film, as well as numerous other international film awards.
In roughly forty minutes, the free audio guide offers a concise overview of the exhibition’s key works and themes. It accompanies visitors through Franz Marc’s artistic development—from his early works through the formative years of "Der Blaue Reiter" to his groundbreaking works of classical modernism—and provides fascinating insights into the society and daily life of the period before the First World War.
The audio guide is available in German, English, and simplified German and can be easily accessed via a QR code using your own smartphone. It is recommended that you bring your own headphones.
Providing access to cultural experiences to as many people as possible is the motivation and goal behind the commitment of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. This exhibition is supported by the Sparkassen-Kulturstiftung Rheinland, the Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf and the Sparkassen-Kulturfonds des Deutschen Sparkassen- und Giroverbandes.
The exhibition is also generously supported by the Friends of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf and the Kunstmuseum Bern.
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Media partner
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The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is supported by
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Publication
Franz Marc (1880–1916) is regarded as one of the most important artists of German Expressionism and a key pioneer of modern art. His work is distinguished by luminous colors, a profound connection to nature, and, in particular, his striking depictions of animals. At the same time, Marc was part of an extensive artistic network spanning Paris, Berlin, and Munich.
Together with Wassily Kandinsky, he founded the editorial group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), playing a decisive role in the development of modern art.
Published on the occasion of the first monographic exhibition devoted to Franz Marc in more than twenty years, the catalogue traces the development of his work from 1904 to 1914. From his early works to the increasing dissolution of form under the influence of Cubism, the publication offers a comprehensive view of his oeuvre, artistic relationships, and ideas. Featuring around 130 illustrations and contributions by Uwe Fleckner, Katja Förster, Susanne Meyer-Büser, and Livia Wermuth, the catalogue provides a multifaceted insight into the work of this exceptional artist.
English edition, approx. 176 pages, approx. 130 illustrations, Hatje Cantz Verlag
ISBN: 978-3-7757-6382-0
Reaching us
K20
Grabbeplatz 5
40213 Düsseldorf
Bus stop:
Heinrich-Heine-Allee
Opening hours
Tuesday – Sunday, public holiday
11 am – 6 pm
Visitor’s service
Registration and information
Tel +49 (0) 211 8381-204
service@kunstsammlung.de
Online tickets
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