KREMS.- As the calendar turns towards the end of March 2025, a buzz of anticipation surrounds the Kunsthalle Krems, a cornerstone of Lower Austria’s vibrant art scene, as it prepares to mark its 30th anniversary. The institution, which first opened its doors on March 31, 1995, will be celebrating three decades of fostering artistic dialogue and showcasing compelling contemporary works, both from Austria and across the globe.
From its initial establishment as the focal point of Krems’ burgeoning art mile, the Kunsthalle has steadily grown in stature. Over the past thirty years, it has hosted an impressive 240 exhibitions, evolving into an internationally recognized space that consistently draws attention beyond the German-speaking world. Landmark shows featuring influential artists like Helen Frankenthaler, the introspective installations of Hans Op de Beeck, and the immersive video art of Pipilotti Rist have been instrumental in building this well-deserved reputation.
Lower Austria’s Governor, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, voiced her pride in the institution’s achievements, stating, “The Kunsthalle Krems stands as Lower Austria’s premier destination for international art and ranks among Austria’s most significant exhibition venues, championing both established and emerging talents from around the world. It’s a point of real pride for our region to host such a cultural beacon.”
At the helm of the Kunsthalle Krems is Artistic Director Florian Steininger, who champions the importance of open discussion and collaborative connections within the art world. He describes the Kunsthalle as “a dynamic hub for the global conversation surrounding contemporary art. We see our role as a platform that not only presents new perspectives but also actively encourages exchange between artists locally and internationally, reflecting the rich tapestry of today’s artistic landscape.”
The journey of the Kunsthalle Krems from its early days to its current prominence is a story of continuous evolution and a commitment to innovative programming. It has cultivated a strong identity characterized by its welcoming international outlook and its willingness to engage with pressing socio-political themes through art.
Even before its official opening, the seeds of the Kunsthalle were sown with exhibitions held in the Minoritenkirche complex starting in 1992. Later, spaces like the Factory and Kunstraum Stein also played host to these early endeavors. Under the initial artistic direction of Wolfgang Denk, the institution quickly established an avant-garde profile, marking itself as a progressive force in the Austrian art scene. Carl Aigner, who took the reins as artistic director in 1997, brought a particular focus to photography, presenting significant figures in both modern and contemporary art, including Paul Klee, Antoni Tàpies, and Arnulf Rainer. From 2003, Tayfun Belgin shifted the focus to the 19th century, welcoming classical modernists like Ilja Repin, Auguste Renoir, and Alexej Jawlensky into the gallery spaces. Dieter Buchhart, who took over in 2008, wove together historical projects with contemporary international voices, often exploring socially critical themes. Hans-Peter Wipplinger, director from 2009 to 2015, emphasized the dialogue between contemporary and historical art through thematic exhibitions such as “Große Gefühle” (Great Feelings) and “Wunder” (Wonder), showcasing international stars like Francis Picabia, Joseph Beuys, Ernesto Neto, and Yoko Ono, while also providing a platform for Austrian artists like Martha Jungwirth, Elfie Semotan, and Kiki Kogelnik.
Since Florian Steininger’s appointment as the sixth artistic director in the summer of 2016, the Kunsthalle Krems has further solidified its reputation as a crucial venue for contemporary art, with a strong emphasis on monographic exhibitions. Notable projects under his direction include solo shows dedicated to the Danish painter and sculptor Per Kirkeby, German photographer Axel Hütte, and Mexican performance and conceptual artist Teresa Margolles. Collaborations with leading global institutions and collections, such as those for exhibitions on American expressionist Helen Frankenthaler and Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida, highlight the Kunsthalle’s international reach and impact. As a cosmopolitan institution, the Kunsthalle Krems actively engages with socio-political issues, particularly those related to gender, feminism, ecological concerns, and diversity. Steininger has curated thematic focuses on Black Empowerment, featuring Afrodiasporic perspectives in exhibitions like “Robin Rhode. Memory is the Weapon,” “The New African Portraiture. Shariat Collections,” and “Thomas J Price. Matter of Place.”
Since 2017, the Kunsthalle has also utilized the Dominikanerkirche Krems, a deconsecrated Gothic church, as an additional exhibition space. This unique setting has hosted immersive, large-scale installations by artists like Eva Schlegel, Hans Kupelwieser, and Sébastien de Ganay. Furthermore, the Kunsthalle extends its reach beyond its walls with temporary public art installations. Past displays have included Gottfried Bechtold’s concrete Porsche, an oversized bronze sculpture by Thomas J Price, and Hans Kupelwieser’s large metal air cushions. The Kunsthalle’s collaboration with the donaufestival underscores its interdisciplinary and progressive ethos, providing a platform for artistic expressions at the intersection of music, performance, and multimedia art since 2010. The institution also supports international artists through its AIR – ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Niederösterreich program, regularly integrating residents into its exhibition schedule, with recent shows featuring German photographer Gabriele Engelhardt and a multimedia work cycle by Croatian artist Damir Očko.
The architectural fabric of the Kunsthalle Krems is itself a point of interest, seamlessly blending historical preservation with modern design. The building, originally constructed in 1852 as a tobacco factory, was thoughtfully transformed into a contemporary exhibition space in the mid-1990s by architect Adolf Krischanitz. The building's distinctive brick facade was retained, while the interior was redesigned with modern architectural elements. Site-specific artworks by Peter Kogler and Eva Schlegel further enhance the contemporary interior spaces.
As the Kunsthalle Krems embarks on its 30th anniversary year, it has a diverse program planned. The celebrations will commence with the opening of an exhibition dedicated to Susan Rothenberg on April 4th. The opening evening will feature a poetic celebratory essay by writer and Theodor Körner Prize winner Cornelia Travnicek. Throughout 2025, an extensive program of events and educational initiatives will invite the public to engage more deeply with the Kunsthalle and its featured artists. Highlights include anniversary tours led by Director Florian Steininger and architectural tours in collaboration with ORTE Architekturnetzwerk NÖ, offering insights into the institution’s history and design. Artist talks with Joe Bradley, Julia Belova, and Mohsin Shafi will provide opportunities for inspiring exchanges with currently exhibiting artists. Eva Schlegel, a prominent Austrian contemporary artist and long-time collaborator with the Kunsthalle Krems, will create an exclusive art edition as a special tribute to the anniversary. She will also participate in an artist talk with Director Florian Steininger in Krems.
