MUNICH.- The Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts together with Haus der Kunst announced that the budget committee of the German Bundestag has granted a €20 million support for the upcoming renovation of the historical architecture. The museum dates back to 1937 when it first opened as Haus der Deutschen Kunst under the Nazi regime. This support adds to the significant amount of €58 million already pledged by the Bavarian government in 2012 bringing the total to €78 million of public funding. This grant establishes a state and federal government partnership in the comprehensive refurbishment and upgrade of the spaces in the building. The state and federal republic support represents a strong affirmation of the crucial and important role of Haus der Kunst as a public institution of highest merit devoted to serving diverse audiences for contemporary art and culture worldwide.

Rüdiger Kruse (CDU), rapporteur for culture and media in the budget committee of the German Bundestag: "Haus der Kunst possesses the potential to radiate far beyond Bavarian borders. With this subsidy by the German Parliament the goal is to strengthen excellence in culture and to foster a place of cultural communication. Societal processes are in need of places where they can be openly discussed and elaborated on. In Berlin, this is definitely the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. In the Haus der Kunst I see another institution, which is capable of such ambitious projects. Germany - fortunately - is not a centralized country. To retain our widespread cultural landscape, we have to establish and preserve centres of cultural excellence all over Germany."

"The complete renovation of Haus der Kunst, which is estimated to begin end of 2017, will guarantee the continuation of the Bavarian State's investment and commitment to supporting and sustaining key institutions in the area of Culture, the Arts, and Science. Haus der Kunst is a recognized jewel in the landscape of contemporary art. Okwui Enwezor and his team at Haus der Kunst have time and again excelled and set new internationally recognized standards for the visual arts. I am very happy that also in conjunction with the support by the German Bundestag it will be possible to continue this success story in the coming years. I am looking forward to the next highlights of Haus der Kunst's projects to come while the renovation is underway", says State Minister Dr. Ludwig Spaenle, Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts.

Haus der Kunst director Okwui Enwezor commented: "On behalf of the entire staff of Haus der Kunst I am immensely thankful to the budget committee of the German Bundestag for making this bold gesture of support to the museum. This affirms and strengthens our core mission to serve old and new audiences, and provide them a lively forum and strong access for the encounter and appreciation of the art and ideas of different generations of contemporary artists.

The renovation of the building marks an exciting and transformative new chapter in the history of our institution. It will finally, and for the first time since 1946, unite the entire architectural footprint of the building under one umbrella.

We are excited to be working with David Chipperfield Architects under the banner of Universalbühne that will serve to unite artistic disciplines across the globe when the renovation is completed. Working with the motto ‘Renovate/Innovate' this entire project, through the different phases of construction and reopening, rewires the museum's hardware and reprograms the institution's software. It will create a seamless, integrated center of contemporary art, culture and ideas that offers our visitors and devoted members of the Munich public a succession of spaces where disciplines cross, conversations happen, and learning occurs."