The Skulptur Projekte are an international art exhibition of sculptures and sculptures in public space in Münster. It has been held every ten years since 1977 and is organized by the Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History.

Internationally renowned artists are invited to realize an artistic project at self-selected locations in the city. As far as possible, the works are to be located within the Promenade. This is to ensure that out-of-town visitors also have the opportunity to view a variety of the artworks - an exploration of the city and art in one.

Well-known sculptures and sculptures include the Giant Pool Balls by Claes Oldenburg at the Aasee, the "Cherry Column" by Thomas Schütte at the Harsewinkelplatz, the Pier at the Aasee by Jorge Pardo, and "Das gegenläufige Konzert" (The Opposing Concert) by Rebecca Horn at the Zwinger (picture above, from left to right). These and many other works have been purchased by the city, the LWL Museum of Art and Cultural History and the University of Münster after the 100-day exhibition period. Thus they have become a permanent part of the cityscape.

Since the second exhibition in 1987, the sculpture projects have become an important part of Münster's external image. It especially ensures greater awareness of the city abroad, with national and international press such as Der Spiegel and the New York Times reporting on the exhibition. Each exhibition is a tourist attraction, attracting thousands of visitors each time – perhaps you have already or will next time?

The idea for the concept of the Skulptur Projekte, meaning to present art outside, goes back to the art historian Klaus Bußmann and the art professor and curator Kaspar König. They planned a survey exhibition of the sculptures of the French artist Auguste Rodin, which was intended to awaken a greater understanding of contemporary art among the people of Münster. Previously, there had been outrage against the installation of sculptures.

The city's residents also first had to warm up to the idea of the Skulptur Projekte. The exhibition concept was initially seen as an "eyesore" in the historic city, and there were threats against artists and vandalism against their works. In 1987, however, the mood slowly changed due to positive press coverage and comparisons to the documenta. In addition, the exhibition had positive effects on the city's economy due to the large number of visitors.

An overview of previous Skulptur Projekte and their works can be found on the Skulptur Projekte archive page. There is also an app to discover all sculptures for you (both websites also available in English).

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Further information:

• Wikipedia article Klaus Bußmann (article only available in German)

• Wikipedia article Kasper König (article also available in English)