K21 Collection - Düsseldorf
K21 presents the international contemporary art collection of the Kunstsammlung North Rhine-Westphalia and is located in the former Ständehaus by the Kaiserteich in Düsseldorf. While temporary exhibitions are shown in the museum’s basement and on the Bel Etage, the permanent collection of contemporary art is displayed on the second and third floors in galleries surrounding the arcades. The collection includes photographs by Thomas Struth, sculptures by Thomas Schütte, and video art by Robert Wilson, among others. A key highlight is Reinhard Mucha’s “Das Deutschlandgerät” (The Germany Device, 1990/2021), installed in the former plenary hall since K21 opened in 2002. This work reflects the historical dimensions of contemporary artistic practice.
The ever-evolving exhibition on the second and third floors features a variety of new acquisitions. In 2021 and 2022, the museum acquired notable works, such as a large-scale series of drawings by Sabine Moritz, striking black-and-white photographs from Syria and Iraq by Ursula Schulz-Dornburg, and a six-part ensemble of geometric-abstract paintings by Sabrina Fritsch. More recently, paintings by Tamina Amadyar, Paul Czerlitzki, and Anna Boghiguian were added to the collection, all reflecting the relevance of politically and aesthetically engaged contemporary art. These paintings are exhibited alongside William Kentridge’s video installation “Tide Table” (2002).
Barrier-free information
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - accessible for people with walking disabilities and partially accessible for wheelchair users".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- Parking spaces are available for people with disabilities.
- All rooms and facilities that can be used by guests and are raised are accessible without steps/at ground level or via an elevator.
- All doors/passages that can be used by guests and are raised are at least 90 cm wide.
- Exhibits and information are mainly visible from a seated position.
- The counter/cash desk is 101 cm high. There is no alternative way of communicating while seated.
- Seating is available.
- Pardo's Restaurant has wheelchair compatible tables (maximum height 80 cm, wheelchair compatible at a height of 67 cm and a depth of 30 cm).
- There is a public toilet for people with disabilities, which can be accessed from both sides (at least 80 cm). There are folding grab rails on the left and right.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- There is no audio induction system available.
- An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is only confirmed acoustically. Alternatively, stairs are available.
- Information about the exhibits is provided in writing or in photorealistic form.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- The signage (for orientation) is designed in easy-to-read, high-contrast lettering.
- All areas are brightly lit and glare-free.
- An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed acoustically.
- The first and last steps of a staircase have horizontal and vertical contrasting edges.
- Stairs have handrails on both sides.
- Information on the exhibits is visually rich in contrast.
- Information is not available in Braille or prismatic writing.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- The name of the K21 is clearly recognizable from the outside.
- The destinations of the paths are within sight or there are signs at a constantly visible distance.
- There is no information in easy language.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF