Sculpture museum of Glaskasten

The Sculpture museum of Glaskasten, known locally as Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten, is a hidden gem in the industrious town of Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Established in 1982, this municipal art museum has carved out a unique niche, focusing on sculptures from the Classical Modern period and contemporary art, along with video and sound art. It offers an intriguing blend of artistic expressions that captivate both the casual visitor and the dedicated art enthusiast.

The Origins of the Sculpture museum of Glaskasten

The roots of the Sculpture museum of Glaskasten can be traced back to the post-World War II era when Marl was undergoing reconstruction. The then-mayor, Rudolf-Ernst Heiland, played a pivotal role in integrating art into the city’s rebuilding efforts. He commissioned renowned architects like Hans Scharoun and Johannes Hendrik van den Broek to incorporate artistic elements into new municipal buildings. This initiative laid the foundation for Marl’s rich collection of sculptures and artworks, featuring pieces by artists such as Auguste Rodin, Käthe Kollwitz, Ernst Barlach, and Wilhelm Lehmbruck.

In 1970, Marl hosted the outdoor exhibition Marl 70 – Stadt und Skulptur, showcasing sculptures throughout the city. This event was so successful that it returned two years later, further enriching the city’s art collection. By 1978, the city had hired art historian Uwe Rüth to curate and expand this growing collection. The official establishment of the Sculpture museum of Glaskasten in 1982 was a natural progression of these efforts, with the museum finding its home in a glass-enclosed space beneath the Marl Town Hall.

Exploring the Museum

Visitors to the Sculpture museum of Glaskasten are treated to an eclectic mix of art forms. The museum’s collection spans sculptures from the Classical Modern era to contemporary pieces, including three-dimensional works, objects, and installations. Notable artists represented in the collection include Auguste Rodin, Timm Ulrichs, Constantin Meunier, Alberto Giacometti, and Max Ernst. The museum’s commitment to contemporary art is further highlighted by its inclusion of works from younger, emerging artists.

One of the museum’s standout features is its extensive outdoor sculpture park. Approximately 100 sculptures from the museum’s collection are dispersed throughout Marl’s public spaces, creating a unique urban landscape where art and daily life intersect. As visitors approach the city center, the density of these sculptures increases, offering a continuous visual feast.

Temporary Relocation and Future Plans

In recent years, the museum has faced significant changes. Due to renovations at the Marl Town Hall, the Sculpture museum of Glaskasten had to vacate its original location. In January 2022, the museum closed its doors at the Glaskasten site and relocated to a temporary space at the Martin-Luther-King School in Marl-Hüls. Despite these challenges, the museum continues its exhibition activities, with its collection temporarily stored at the LWL Depot in Münster.

The future of the museum looks promising with plans for a new permanent home in the building of a former secondary school, designed by Marl’s city architect Günther Marschall. The new site, named Marschall 66, is set to become a multifunctional cultural center, housing not only the museum but also the Marl City Library, a music school, an adult education center, and a café. The project, supported by substantial funding from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the federal government, is a central element of Marl’s urban development plan, Marl 2025+.

Exhibitions and Awards

The Sculpture museum of Glaskasten is renowned for its dynamic exhibitions. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of shows, from contemporary art exhibitions engaging all five senses to thematic displays focusing on coal and mining. Noteworthy exhibitions include CHINA 8, which showcased contemporary Chinese art, and The Hot Wire, a collaborative project with the Sculpture Projects Münster.

The museum is also a pioneer in new media art. Since 1984, it has awarded the biennial Marler Video Art Prize, and since 2002, the German Sound Art Prize. These prestigious awards highlight the museum’s dedication to video and sound art, positioning it as a leader in these innovative fields. Although the prize competitions are currently on hold due to the museum’s relocation, they are expected to resume once the new Marschall 66 site is operational.

Conclusion

The Sculpture museum of Glaskasten in Marl is more than just a museum; it is a testament to the city’s commitment to integrating art into everyday life. From its origins in the post-war reconstruction era to its current role as a hub for contemporary art and new media, the museum continues to inspire and engage visitors. Whether exploring its extensive collection, enjoying the outdoor sculpture park, or anticipating the exciting developments at Marschall 66, a visit to the Sculpture museum of Glaskasten promises a rich and rewarding experience.