Since 1997, the three-part building complex of the Museum Kurhaus Kleve, which dates back to the 19th century, has served as a museum for contemporary art
Tourismus NRW e.V., Since 1997, the three-part building complex of the Museum Kurhaus Kleve, which dates back to the 19th century, has served as a museum for contemporary art

Museum Kurhaus Kleve

Kleve

The Kurhaus dates back to the heyday of "Bad Cleve" - and you can still take a wonderful stroll around the building today. The building itself houses a museum that exhibits works from the Middle Ages to the present day, although the focus is on contemporary art. The museum's permanent collection includes the artistic estate of Ewald Mataré. Another highlight are the authentic studio rooms of Joseph Beuys in the former Friedrich-Wilhelm-Bad. Beuys worked there for seven years.

Garden art from different eras can be found around the Kurhaus: winding paths, ponds and various types of trees and plants invite you to take a stroll in the surrounding park. The Forstgarten was laid out in the 17th century as part of the Baroque gardens under Johann Moritz von Nassau-Siegen, an important general and diplomat who had a significant influence on the city as governor of Kleve.

In the 19th century, the Forstgarten was transformed into an English landscape garden under the direction of Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe, a well-known garden architect. Curved paths, picturesque lines of sight and varied planting bear witness to this

Sculptures and monuments, which pay tribute to historical figures and set artistic accents, are further eye-catchers in the grounds. The slightly elevated location also offers a wonderful panoramic view over Kleve and the surrounding countryside.

Art, nature and beautiful moments in the border region

Stroll through the enchanting baroque garden around the neoclassical bathhouses, which now house the Kurhaus Kleve Museum, just as spa guests used to do.

  • The former spa town of Kleve is located directly on the German-Dutch border on the lower Lower Rhine.
  • Just like the spa guests of old, you can stroll through the enchanting baroque garden around the neoclassical bathhouses, which now house the Museum Kurhaus Kleve.
  • The heart of the museum is the 55-metre-long Wandelhalle. Discover this unusual exhibition space for modern and contemporary art, which uniquely combines historical buildings with modern architecture. In the former Badhotel, the museum presents the world's largest collection of works by the Rhineland artist Ewald Mataré.
  • From the Museum Café Moritz on the museum's roof terrace, you have a wonderful view of the historic park. If you want to take a stroll through the city after your visit to the museum, you should stop by Café Samocca. There you can enjoy a coffee specialty with a cultural treat, exhibitions and live music.

Excursion tip: A highlight for nostalgics is the Viller Mühle in Goch. The puppeteer Heinz Bömler has transformed the grain and oil mill into historic stores where you can discover long-forgotten goods from your childhood and youth. Alternatively, a trip to Arnhem in the Netherlands is worthwhile. Inspired by the local academy for fashion, there are many small boutiques and cafés to discover in the pretty old town.

Overnight tip: Hotel Schwanenburg in Kleve or Boetzelaer Castle in Kalkar.

Important information at a glance

  • Closed today
    Tuesday 11:00 - 17:00
    Wednesday 11:00 - 17:00
    Thursday 11:00 - 17:00
    Friday 11:00 - 17:00
    Saturday 11:00 - 17:00
    Sunday 11:00 - 17:00

And what else?This could also be interesting

  • Exterior view of the B. C. Koekkoek House Museum
    Tourismus NRW e.V., Exterior view of the B. C. Koekkoek House Museum
    B.C. Koekkoek House
    Kleve
    Discover the B.C. Koekkoek House, a jewel of art and history in the heart of Kleve, Germany.
    Learn more
  • Artfully decorated chasubles, mitres and altar curtains in the treasury of Kamp Abbey
    Tourismus NRW e.V., Artfully decorated chasubles, mitres and altar curtains in the treasury of Kamp Abbey
    Kamp Monastery Museum
    Kamp-Lintfort
    Discover the 890-year history of Kamps Monastery, the first Cistercian monastery in Germany, and enjoy its unique atmosphere and gardens.
    Learn more
  • Garden side of House Esters
    Volker Döhne, Kunstmuseen Krefeld, Garden side of House Esters
    Art museums in Krefeld
    Krefeld
    Discover the hidden treasures of the Kunstmuseen Krefeld, a center for modern and contemporary art in Germany.
    Learn more
New tips every two months

Insider tips & excursion ideasNewsletter

Fancy some mail? Then subscribe here to our every two months newsletter with information on special travel offers, selected short tips for short trips and other insider tips for travelling in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Click here to register