Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig

The Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig encourages people to connect – with other people, with their own surroundings, and with art. We create spaces for exchange and contemplation – for thinking, laughing, remembering, debating, lingering, researching, designing, learning, questioning and enjoying.

inviting
The MdbK is an authentic place for sensory experiences. Art works promote discourse, interaction and education. With its open architecture, with its courtyards and permanent exhibition areas that are accessible free of charge, the museum offers a multifaceted society the preconditions for meeting, taking time out and sharing (new) knowledge. Participatory programmes, events and exhibitions are the basis for our institution and for inviting participation. We recognize each individual’s different background in life, knowledge and experience as expertise in its own right and we consider this an enrichment.

diverse
The MdbK positions itself as an inclusive, accessible and anti-discriminatory museum. In our programmes, we bring different generations into dialogue and offer space for marginalized perspectives. Together with diverse interest groups, we continue to develop our anti-discrimination activities, particularly with regard to gender equality, transnationality and inclusion. We are committed to strengthening diversity within our collection.

inspiring
The museum collection comprises works from seven centuries, predominantly from European art history. A focus is on art from the 20th and 21st centuries from Leipzig and on its place in an international context. We are intensively engaged with the collection in its development through history, including its gaps, and we critically examine contexts of injustice. Our events, exhibitions and research are linked to this. At the same time, we are developing formats for active participation that deal with socially relevant topics.

reliable
With professionalism and a sense of responsibility, we pursue the museum tasks defined by ICOM (Prague, 24 August 22). In addition, the MdbK is a municipal institution that is engaged in the implementation of the strategic objectives and guidelines formulated by the city council. As an educational institution, the museum connects with other institutions and seeks external expertise. At the same time, we see ourselves as a team of experts and seek to make our work and decision-making processes transparent. The MdbK supports the idea of open access and aims at enabling public access to the collection and institutional knowledge. Thus we use digital and analogue media in communicating our projects.

engaged
We live by fundamental democratic values. The appreciation of people, cultural assets and resources determines our actions both inwardly and outwardly. Together with other actors and visitors, we participate in social transformation processes. We use our resources of staff, time and material wisely. We are mindful of sustainability and quality. Fairness, pleasure, openness and creativity are important aspects of our daily work. We seek to deal with errors constructively and to grow continually. The MdbK is an institution that values self-critique and learning.

living
We understand art as the intellectual and cultural heritage of humankind and are convinced of the relevance of the museum as a non-profit, public space in a diverse (urban) society. We would like to shape the MdbK for future generations in a lively and responsible manner. We warmly welcome anyone interested to join us.

The MdbK has a reference library with free access for everyone. Staff is always available to assist you with the use of our resources. If you wish to conduct extensive research in our library, please give us a call beforehand.

One of Germany’s largest museum libraries, our art historical collection comprises 100.000 items. The library’s origination dates back to the year 1837, when citizens of Leipzig founded the local art society, which would later also be responsible for the establishment of our museum. Our library is oriented towards suiting the museum’s collections, and draws contemporary literature about art from regional and international circles. A particular focus is set on art and culture from a time span between the 17th and the 19th century. Important source material for art historical literature ranges from guides about European art centers to contemporary monographs and a unique collection of rare exhibition catalogues. The library holds international collections catalogues, as well. 

The library is open on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment (T: +49 341 216 999 56, M: sebastian.stumpe@leipzig.de).