Artists: Heinz Breloh, Abraham David Christian, Leiko Ikemura, Pit Kroke, Mimmo Palladino, Norbert Prangenberg
In 2026, the Herbert Gerisch Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary—an occasion that will be marked with a special anniversary program and free admission for the entire year.
The Foundation is a place where contemporary art, historic architecture, and a lovingly designed park landscape come together in a unique way right on the banks of the Schwale River.
Anniversary Exhibition: From the Archives
In addition to its collection, the Foundation’s profile is shaped by its exhibitions: Over the past 25 years, 85 exhibitions featuring international, national, and regional artists have been realized.
Guided by the “Outside – Inside” principle, a complementary collection has emerged over the years in dialogue with the sculptures in the park. Numerous new works and donations are now on view for the first time. The exhibition kicks off with Pit Kroke and Abraham David Christian at Villa Wachholtz, Leiko Ikemura in the Remise, Mimmo Palladino in the basement, and Norbert Prangenberg in dialogue with Heinz Breloh in the gallery.
In August, the presentation in the exhibition spaces will be replaced by other artistic works from the collection, thereby offering a fresh, new perspective.
Milestones of the Foundation
2001
The foundation was established by Herbert and Brigitte Gerisch, and work began on building a sculpture collection in their private garden, culminating in a grand opening and the unveiling of “Kissing Birds” by Menashe Kadishman
Further acquisitions and the first exhibitions in the gallery
2005
The City of Neumünster donated the listed Villa Wachholtz and its grounds to the foundation. Two years of restoration work on the villa and the historic country house garden designed by Harry Maasz
In the same year, the property was expanded to include the “Red Bungalow” and the coach house through the acquisition of the adjacent lot
2007
Opening of the entire complex with the spectacular exhibition “Henry Moore – Like Nature”
2018–2023
Ongoing modernization and expansion of the exhibition spaces:
Caretaker’s House (2018), Peacock House, “Red Bungalow,” and basement (2021), gallery terrace (2023). The conversion of the Remise into an exhibition space, made possible by a generous donation from Berlin entrepreneur Klaus Groth, fulfilled a long-held dream of Brigitte Gerisch.
2025
Expansion of the park grounds to include a 500-square-meter plot along the Schwale
2026
Awarded the “Certified Museum” seal of approval
Today
The collection now comprises some 800 works by 154 artists, 41 of whom are represented in the park with a total of 55 works. Nestled within the three-and-a-half-hectare park with its historic country house garden designed by Harry Maasz, the grounds—with their mature trees, paths, bridges, and ponds—invite visitors to settle in and experience the interplay of art and nature as the day and seasons change.
Visitors are welcomed to a place of peace, quiet, and contemplation—a modern Arcadia.
Those wishing to end their stroll in a relaxed manner can enjoy cakes, pastries, and specialty coffees in the historic rooms of Café Harry Maasz or in the garden café beneath the canopy of the European beech trees.
Outlook
The Foundation looks to the future with a clear mission: to preserve what already exists while simultaneously providing new impetus. The preservation of the grounds, the ongoing maintenance of the park, buildings, and collection, and the responsible fulfillment of historic preservation duties remain central priorities.
Through targeted new acquisitions, the collection is being carefully expanded and developed in dialogue with existing works. In doing so, the Foundation continues to see itself as a vibrant place where art, nature, and the public come together. Special attention is given to educational outreach to inspire different generations to engage with art and open up new avenues of access.
In this way, the Foundation remains a place of responsibility—for cultural heritage as well as for its future.
Source: HerbertGerisch-Stiftung
Herbert Gerisch-Stiftung
Brachenfelder Straße 69
24536 Neumünster
Post address:
Hauptstraße 1
24536 Neumünster
tel. +49 (0)4321 555 120
kontakt@gerisch-stiftung.de
https://www.gerisch-stiftung.de/