Berlin, September 19 – In an unusual initiative, more than 1,500 artworks from the collection of the late art patron Christoph Müller are being made available to the public. Public museums can apply to receive these works until the end of the year, the Christoph Müller Foundation announced. This development was first reported by the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit.”
A Unique Opportunity for Public Museums
“Each of the artworks can be given to you as a gift – at least if you represent a public museum,” states the Christoph Müller Foundation’s website, where all the works are individually listed. This initiative aims to ensure that Müller’s passion for art continues to benefit a wide audience.
Diverse Collection Spanning Centuries
The collection includes a wide range of artistic periods and styles. Among the works being gifted are 16th-century woodcuts by Hans Baldung, paintings by renowned artists such as Charles-François Daubigny, Carl Blechen, and Andreas Achenbach, a chalk drawing by Heinrich Zille, and abstract pieces by Edmund Kesting. This diverse offering provides a unique opportunity for museums to enrich their collections with significant historical and contemporary art.
The Legacy of Christoph Müller
Christoph Müller, a passionate art collector and former publisher of the “Schwäbisches Tagblatt,” passed away two years ago at the age of 86. He served as the newspaper’s editor-in-chief from 1969 to 2004. After selling his publishing shares, Müller resided in Berlin, dedicating his life to art and philanthropy.
Previous Donations and Ongoing Philanthropy
Significant portions of his collection had already been donated in previous years. Several hundred works were given to institutions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, including a collection of Danish paintings to Greifswald. The Berlin Kupferstichkabinett also received approximately 200 works from Müller’s extensive collection, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to making art accessible to the public.
Application Process and Digital Museum
Public museums can apply online for the artworks that best fit their existing collections. In cases where multiple institutions express interest in the same piece, a jury will make the final decision. Joachim von Zepelin, the managing director of the Foundation, noted that dozens of museums have already registered, indicating strong interest in the initiative.
Even after the physical distribution of the artworks, Müller’s entire collection will remain accessible online through a digital museum. This ensures that the breadth and depth of his collecting efforts can still be explored by art enthusiasts worldwide.
Editorial Note and Further News
This report was compiled based on material from the German Press Agency (dpa). For comments or inquiries, please contact [email protected].
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Source: Christoph Müller Foundation, “Die Zeit”, German Press Agency (dpa)
