Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus

In the charming town of Kleve in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands a monument to artistic heritage and romanticism – the Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus, also known locally as Haus Koekkoek. This splendid museum, housed in the former residence of the renowned Dutch landscape painter Barend Cornelis Koekkoek, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of 19th-century art and the life of one of its most celebrated practitioners.

The Historical Significance of Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus

The story of Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus begins with Barend Cornelis Koekkoek himself, born in 1803 in Middelburg, Netherlands. Koekkoek was a master of romantic landscape painting, often hailed as the most prominent Dutch landscape painter before Vincent van Gogh. In 1833, Koekkoek married Elise Therèse Daiwaille, the daughter of his teacher at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Amsterdam. The couple settled in Kleve in 1834, and after several relocations, they finally moved into a house near the Brücktor at Kermisdahl in 1838.

In 1842, Koekkoek acquired a property that included a house and a garden parcel, which was then bordered by the remnants of the old city wall. By 1844, he had constructed a three-story tower on the highest part of the property, which he named Belvedere. This tower, with its panoramic views over the Rhine plain and the Tiergarten forest, served as Koekkoek's atelier. The Belvedere was meticulously designed to provide the ideal lighting conditions for painting, with large windows facing north to capture the neutral light favored by artists.

The Architectural Marvel of Palais Koekkoek

In the winter of 1846/47, Koekkoek commissioned the construction of a grand mansion, known as Palais Koekkoek, on the lower part of his property. Designed by the Kleve architect Anton Weinhagen, this stately building was completed in 1848. The mansion, with its classical facade and elegant proportions, became a symbol of Koekkoek's success and artistic prowess.

The front of the building features a classical entrance portal leading to an impressive staircase with a barrel-vaulted coffered ceiling. The Golden Salon on the main floor, named for its gilded stucco ceiling, was used to entertain high-ranking guests. The mansion also includes a garden salon, a tiled dining room, and richly decorated living quarters on the upper floors. It was within these walls that Koekkoek created some of his most famous works, including the large Luxembourg landscapes commissioned by King Willem II of the Netherlands.

The Transformation into a Museum

After Koekkoek's death in 1862, the mansion changed hands several times and served various purposes. It wasn't until after World War II, when the building was largely spared from destruction, that it began its transformation into a museum. Initially used as a town hall, the building was acquired by the city of Kleve in the mid-1950s and subsequently converted into a museum.

In 1960, the Städtisches Museum Haus Koekkoek opened its doors, with a focus on preserving and showcasing the works of Barend Cornelis Koekkoek and his contemporaries. The museum quickly gained a reputation for its impressive collection and significant exhibitions, including one of the first museum exhibitions by Joseph Beuys in 1961.

The Modern-Day Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus

Today, the Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus is managed by the B.C. Koekkoek-Haus Foundation, established in 1997. The foundation, supported by the Friends of the Museum Kurhaus and Koekkoek-Haus Kleve, the NRW Foundation, and the city of Kleve, continues to promote the appreciation of Dutch romantic painting.

The museum's permanent collection includes a wealth of romantic paintings by Koekkoek, his family members, students, and contemporaries. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms, which still retain much of their original furnishings, providing an immersive experience of the 19th-century artistic milieu. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs, making it a vibrant cultural hub in Kleve.

Highlights of the Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus

One of the most striking features of the museum is the Belvedere tower, where visitors can enjoy the same breathtaking views that inspired Koekkoek's masterpieces. The Golden Salon and other richly decorated rooms offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the artist and his family. The museum's collection of romantic landscapes, with their meticulous detail and atmospheric effects, showcases Koekkoek's extraordinary talent and his influence on the art world.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum frequently collaborates with other institutions to present special exhibitions. Notable past exhibitions include A Romantic Gaze: The Rademakers Collection, which traveled to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, and Museum M in Leuven.

For art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, a visit to the Museum B.C. Koekkoek-Haus is a journey back in time to the romantic era of landscape painting. The museum not only celebrates the legacy of Barend Cornelis Koekkoek but also serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and power of art.