The British artist living in Wuppertal was ultimately the one who initiated the sculpture park: At his initiative, the abandoned villa property Waldfrieden was transformed into an exhibition center for sculptures. The property originally belonged to the entrepreneur and art patron Kurt Herberts. Herberts had a residential building constructed for himself by the architect Franz Krause, designed according to the principles of anthroposophy and located on a slope between the districts of Elberfeld and Barmen – the Villa Waldfrieden. After Herberts' death in 1989, the building stood empty for 15 years. From 2006 onwards, it was renovated at the insistence of the Cragg Foundation and transformed, along with the property, into an open-air exhibition site for sculptures.
The works of Cragg and other internationally renowned sculptors harmoniously blend into the atmosphere of the park with its old tree population. Cragg's sculptures form the core of the permanent exhibition, supplemented by works from artists such as Wilhelm Mundts, Eva Hildts, or Richard Deacons. Thus, the park showcases a wide range of sculptural positions from modernity and contemporary art.
In addition, the Foundation also presents works by other significant artists during regularly occurring temporary exhibitions. Since the park's opening in September 2008, for example, objects by Mario Merz, Eduardo Chillida, Anish Kapoor, and Jean Dubuffet have been shown. The series "KlangArt" is also popular: Under the motto "Art. Music. Nature," concerts with renowned performers from the fields of jazz, new music, and world music take place. Depending on the season and style direction, this triad of nature, art, and music can be experienced "open air" or in the glass exhibition pavilion. Regular workshops are also offered for children and teenagers.
The Villa Waldfrieden itself houses the archive and administrative offices of the Cragg Foundation. For conservation reasons, the building is not publicly accessible, but can be visited during special tours and rented for events.
Those who need a little break after a walk through the park can get comfortable at Café Podest: The former gardener's house entices with delicious cake and coffee. Throughout the year, readings and film screenings from the Waldfrieden program also take place here.
