Museum der Stadt Ratingen

Description

Located in the heart of Ratingen, Museum Ratingen houses the city's collection of modern art and features a cultural-historical presentation on the town's development. It is situated in close proximity to the historic town centre; remnants of the old city wall and preserved defensive towers are within walking distance.

Founded in 1926 as a local history museum, it was initially housed in the so-called Bürgerhaus, the town hall with a medieval core that was renovated in 1751 and stands directly on the market square. In 1977 the collection moved to its present location; at first historic rooms on Lintorfer Straße were used, including a small townhouse dating from the mid-19th century and an adjoining office building as provisional exhibition spaces. An extension on Grabenstraße followed in 1978; its distinctive unplastered design, with concrete ceilings and exposed ventilation ducts, reflects the style of the period. A further enlargement took place in 1990, so that the building now offers approximately 1,600 m² of exhibition space. In 2012 the museum underwent extensive renovation from January to September; among other measures, modern security systems and a flexible track lighting system were installed.

The collection focuses on modern art from the post-war era to the present and comprises paintings, drawings and prints. A particular emphasis is placed on the work of the informalist painter Peter Brüning, who came from Ratingen. Sculptures are shown especially in the "Kunstweg" project in relation to the surrounding landscape; the museum also preserves the estates of the sculptors Maria Fuss and Doris Rücker. An extensive porcelain collection related to Johann Peter Melchior links artistic design and craftsmanship. The museum regularly publishes catalogues for its exhibitions.