„Art plus nature“, and the other way round: Museum Insel Hombroich, a former missile base, Kirkeby Field

Not just one museum, but three in a row. And even artists to make it complete

The entire Hombroich area includes the former missile base Hombroich, and Kirkeby field, in addition to Museum Insel Hombroich.

For the former NATO missile base near Neuss, the concise description “museum grounds” is not enough. Because nature and art are closely connected at this unique cultural location. The facility presents top-class exhibitions of contemporary art of various genres and media. From photography to painting and drawing or graphic arts to architecture and sculpture.

The buildings themselves, designed by Erwin Heerich, are virtually walk-in sculptures. The art that is presented within includes Schwitters and Arp or Yves Klein, together with Matisse and Cézanne, as well as archeological artifacts from Asia, Africa, America and Oceania. In addition, the institution offers an „artists in residence“ project for artists, writers, musicians or philosophers, living and working space in nature.

The seamless fusion of nature and culture

The experimental architecture fits organically into the nature of a park landscape, which looks quite primeval and unladen, but which is actually a highly designed garden artwork. It’s “cornerstone” is actually the overgrown park of a 19th-century mansion, a landscape concept that remains recognizable, but has been carefully developed further since the 1980s. Today it also offers space for “attracted,” plants and animals that are virtually have settled themselves.

The facility defines itself as an experimental, open and changeable structure, but is not limited to the – quasi-fleeting – moment. It is rather also linked to the role of a „keeper”, with a comprehensive documentation and an ever-growing archive.
The founder of the museum Karl-Heinrich Müller (1936 – 2007) has put his concept and commitment as follows:
“For me, Hombroich is not just the building of a museum, but the attempt to find a new way of life, with all the thoughts and things that could almost be seen as disreputable in society.”

“Art is beautiful, but means a lot of work.”

The much quoted sentence attributed to Karl Valentin also applies to the visit of Museum Insel Hombroich. But this kind of work definitely is joy. In fact, an „artistic walk“ around Museum Island Hombroich and the missile station with Langen Foundation is a pleasure, especially on a summer day. The fusion of landscape, architecture and art is something to enjoy, not only in sunny weather. By the way, daylight is an indispensable element. Not only for the “staging” of art in different light conditions. There are large windows, but no artificial light in the rooms.

As a visitor, you might feel „challenged“ and faced with a rather unusual experience, at least compared to a „usual“ museum tour. Because there are no signs, no explanations and no descriptions (but very good guided tours). There is no advice, no guided view. Literally nothing that might interfere with your personal perception and your individual experience. You are to find out yourself, how to „interact“ with Hombroich. The Homboich institutions feel certain that their visitors will behave appropriately (namely as a guest!). Please perceive this freedom as a responsibility, also for the entire museum „landscape”.

Hombroich is no „quick task“ and something to be „done“ easily, but requires time and effort. And the willingness to actually engage in an unbiased manner. In a peculiar way, this is an unexpected experience, and sometimes even not at all comfortable. But who would want that. Take the trouble. It is worth it!

New exhibition from September 9, 2018: Remo Salvadori, Ursula Schulz-Dornburg