Franz Marc – The Quest for a Better World

The first comprehensive Expressionist exhibition dedicated to Franz Marc (1880–1916), co-founder of Der Blaue Reiter, brings together over 120 paintings and works on paper. About The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is presenting the first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the Expressionist and co-founder of Der Blaue Reiter, Franz Marc (1880–1916), and thus the first major solo exhibition of his work in a German museum in over twenty years. Vibrant colors, deeply moving themes, and world-famous animal images—what makes the art of Franz Marc (1880–1916) so fascinating to this day? The exhibition "Franz Marc. The Quest for a Better World" at K20 invites visitors to rediscover the life and work of this outstanding artist. Through January 24, 2027, visitors have the unique opportunity to experience masterpieces from all phases of Franz Marc's career in one place. Thanks to the support of numerous national and international public and private lenders, over 120 paintings and works on paper have been brought together. The exhibition traces the artist's career—which spanned only a few years but was extraordinarily productive—in all its diversity, from his early works to his later, groundbreaking, and increasingly abstract compositions. Highlights include Marc's iconic animal paintings and striking depictions of nature, which rank among the most famous works of classical modernism. Join Felix Kammerer on a tour of the exhibition "Franz Marc. The Quest for a Better World" The Austrian actor, a permanent ensemble member of the Burgtheater in Vienna, narrated the audio guide for the exhibition. Kammerer gained international recognition for his leading role in the film "All Quiet on the Western Front", which won the 2023 Oscar for Best International Feature Film, as well as numerous other international film awards. In roughly forty minutes, the free audio guide offers a concise overview of the exhibition's key works and themes. It accompanies visitors through Franz Marc's artistic development—from his early works through the formative years of "Der Blaue Reiter" to his groundbreaking works of classical modernism—and provides fascinating insights into the society and daily life of the period before the First World War. The audio guide is available in German, English, and simplified German and can be easily accessed via a QR code using your own smartphone. It is recommended that you bring your own headphones. Providing access to cultural experiences to as many people as possible is the motivation and goal behind the social commitment of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. This exhibition is supported by the Sparkassen-Kulturstiftung Rheinland, the Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf and the Savings Banks Cultural Fund of the German Savings Banks Association. The exhibition is also generously supported by the Friends of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf and the Kunstmuseum Bern. Read more Toggle Painting Drawing