Artothek
Collection, loan, art education, artist support programme
Set up in 1970, the Neuer Berliner Kunstverein’s lending library for artworks, the Artothek, – the largest such institution in Germany – comprises 4,000 works from the 20th and 21st century, which private individuals and public institutions may borrow. The Artothek notches up around 11,000 loans a year.
The collection is made up of paintings, sculptures, watercolours, collages, gouaches, drawings, prints and photographs. It serves as a useful instrument to support Berlin-based artists thanks to the new works the n.b.k. acquires for the Artothek every year. The art education programme helps to make art and artists accessible to private users as well as to institutions and schools.
The Roland system designed by artist Silke Wagner slots together to form a sculptural display for borrowing, information, presentation and archiving of works. Changing exhibitions highlight new emphases on particular themes running through the collection. Artists from Berlin are presented in an extra showroom. In re-inventing the Artothek and extending its educational
activities, the n.b.k. is pursuing the democratic notion of cultural education for all.
Opening hours
Tuesday / Thursday
Wednesday / Friday
2 pm – 8 pm
2 pm – 6 pm