Today, the collection comprises 600 paintings, 280 sculptures and installations, as well as 1,800 other objects that range into contemporary art. In addition to an extensive graphic collection, the Folkwang Museum also houses an outstanding photographic collection with a focus on the 20th century, the post-war period, and the present. Numerous, partly spectacular temporary exhibitions complement these permanent collections, foremost large retrospectives on Munch, van Gogh, Hopper, Picasso, Gauguin, Cézanne, or Turner. Since the museum's extension built in the 1980s no longer met building regulations, it was demolished in 2008 and replaced by a new building designed by the renowned architect David Chipperfield.
On a pedestal floating lightly, the new building on Bismarckstraße rises. Its interior shines with calm elegance, while the bright clarity of the exterior remains dominant. Chipperfield has simply placed the three rectangular exhibition sections side by side, on a level without stairs or ramps. Courtyards and windows everywhere facilitate orientation and provide beautiful sightlines. Additionally, there is plenty of daylight that pours in through the ceiling construction, giving it a unique charm - the art appears different depending on the weather, time of day, and season. Without a doubt, a great achievement. The building is a gift from the Krupp Foundation to the city. The German Poster Museum, which is among the largest specialized collections in the world, is now also integrated into the overall ensemble.
