With an ambitious and continuously alternating programme of exhibitions, Ludwig Galerie presents loans from all over the world within the neoclassical castle complex according to three main subject areas.

Employees of the Ludwig Galerie in Oberhausen have responded with deep sadness to the unexpected passing away of the highly respected patron of the arts. The Aachen collecting pair of Peter and Irene Ludwig have been committed to art in Oberhausen since the 1980's. In the 1990's both undertook to aid a new concept, and supported the transformation to the Ludwig Galerie, an exhibition location of national importance. Oberhausen awarded Irene Ludwig the city's honorary ring in gratitude. Following the early death of her husband 14 years ago, Irene Ludwig always demonstrated personal interest and commitment to the Ludwig Galerie, accompanying and commenting on its exhibitions in her own kind and highly knowledgeable way. Her enthusiasm for the art of all eras and countries of the world was a particular enrichment in this regard.
In the person of Professor Dr. hc mult. Irene Ludwig, the Ludwig Galerie loses its most important benefactor. And the world of art bids farewell to one of its most essential collectors.
We will deeply miss her.
Dr. Christine Vogt and the Ludwig Galerie Schloss Oberhausen team


The Ludwig Collection


with its extensive range of works is presented in Oberhausen within the concept of unusual and overlapping themes. The basis was established by the activities of the collecting couple Peter and Irene Ludwig, who demonstrated an innate solidarity with all world cultures spanning from antiquity to the present day.

The exhibition programme was originally inaugurated with the presentation of Götter, Helden und Idole (Gods, Heroes and Idols, 1998). Further exciting shows were dedicated to approaches to mourning and the world of pots and vessels. Living Stones presented Mother Nature as an artist and human skill in terms of designing with hard stone. CHINA – Tradition und Moderne (Tradition and the Modern Era) laid claim to the international aspect of cooperations.

on the other hand is dedicated to the presentation of illustration, poster art, caricature, comics, photography and other genres attributed to the applied arts. Important positions from Gottfried Helnwein and Manfred Deix have been shown as well as works from Wilhelm Busch. Renowned photographers including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Peter Lindbergh, Thomas Hoepker, Jim Rakete and Elliott Erwitt have also been optimally set in scene in the finely proportioned exhibition spaces.

is concerned with the structural change within the region, placing this in an international context. The former coal and steel region is being transformed into a centre for the service industry, and landmarks such as winding towers, chimneys and smelting works that once formed the face of the Revier district are disappearing. Others such as the Gasometer in Oberhausen and the Zollverein colliery winding tower in Essen have become new landmarks. Exhibition projects and outdoor events accompany the process.