The art collection of North Rhine-Westphalia is located in the city of Düsseldorf. The foundation of this museum dates back to 1960, when 88 works by Paul Klee were purchased. They became the basis of the first collection, which was presented to the public in 1961. The original location of the works was the beautiful Jägerhof Castle, but over time the exhibits became so numerous that the space in the palace became insufficient.
In 1975, the city government decided to expand the exhibition space. For this reason, a new building was constructed, designed by renowned specialists from the Düsseldorf architectural bureau. The new building had a curved facade made of dark-coloured polished sienite. It became a true symbol of the city immediately after its opening. In 1990, the collection was expanded with installations, sculptures and photographic works.
The art collection of North Rhine-Westphalia consists of two museums. The museum with the name "K20" presents the art of the 20th century to visitors, with classical modernism at its core. It is here that Klee's paintings are exhibited, as well as paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock. Everyone can contemplate the works of Dadaists, Cubists, Fauvists and Expressionists. The K21 Museum is located under a glass dome and features contemporary works. Works by Ilya Kabakov, Michelangelo Pistoletto and other famous artists are on display for the public.
The museum building was not all the time an exhibition space. Between 1949 and 1988, it was home to the parliament of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It was only in 2002 that the building was restored, where the famous exhibition was subsequently opened.
