The unspoiled nature, the turbulent Baltic Sea, the special light - for centuries, artists have found wonderful sources of inspiration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Caspar David Friedrich and Philipp Otto Runge created their world-famous masterpieces here. The artists' colonies in Ahrenshoop, Schwaan and on the island of Hiddensee show unique works by formative artists of the region as well as contemporary works. Art halls and galleries offer changing exhibitions of nationally and internationally renowned sculptors, photographers and painters.

Exhibition at the Museum Ahrenshoop // © MV-T/Roth

Between Baltic Sea and Bodden: Artists' Colony Ahrenshoop

The artists' colony of Ahrenshoop is located on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula. The extensive landscape between the Baltic Sea and the Bodden, the alternating cliffs and dunes and especially the unique light conditions attracted the first landscape painters to the coast at the end of the 19th century. The painter Paul Müller-Kaempff, who opened the first painting school in the village in 1894, is considered the founder of the colony. He was followed by many other artists as well as their friends and families, whereby the former fishing village simultaneously developed into a Baltic seaside resort.

Even today Ahrenshoop is a meeting place for artists and art lovers. In numerous exhibition houses and studios, the art historical development of the artists' colony can be traced from its founding to the present. These include, for example, the Ahrenshoop Art Museum, which opened in 2013, the Kunstkaten and the Künstlerhaus Lukas.

Peace and seclusion on the artists' island of Hiddensee

Hiddensee has been considered an artists' colony since the beginning of the 20th century. Far from big-city civilization, artists spend the summer months on the island or settle there completely. The foundation stone of the community was laid by the painter Oskar Kruse-Lietzenburg, whose "Lietzenburg", built in 1904, became an artists' meeting place for painters, writers and actors. After his death, the sculptor Max Kruse and his wife, the doll maker Käthe Kruse, continued this tradition. The painters Henni Lehmann and Clara Arnheim founded the Hiddensoer Künstlerinnenbund in 1919. Their studio and exhibition rooms are located in the blue barn, where their works are exhibited again today. Among the many prominent guests of the island are also the actress Asta Nielsen, painter and sculptor Käthe Kollwitz and the writer Gerhart Hauptman.

If you want to get an impression of the cultural development of Hiddensee, it is worth visiting some other galleries and exhibitions besides the blue barn. Open for guests are, for example, the Gerhart Hauptmann House, the Museum of Local History, the Henni Lehmann House and the Asta Nielsen House.

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Nature studies in Schwaan

But it was not only on the coast that artists gathered to immortalize the unique nature of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in their works. At the end of the 19th century, a colony of artists also emerged in the small farming town of Schwaan, south of Rostock. Local painters came together here to study the natural landscape around the tranquil little town and capture it in their paintings. The founder of the colony is the Schwaan-born painter Franz Bunke, who studied and later taught at the Weimar School of Painting. Rudolf Bartels, Peter Paul Draewing and Alfred Heinsohn also belonged to the core of the artist community.

Today, their works are exhibited in the Kunstmuseum Schwaan in the building of the former watermill. The house where Franz Bunke was born can also be visited. If you would like to see the original locations of the works, the artist trails are the right place to go: Three cycling and hiking trails lead past them starting from the art museum.

Galleries and art studios

Places of art and inspiration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

273 results

  • © 1000seen.de

    Müritz National Park

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Federow

    The Müritz National Park is the largest contiguous protected area in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and part of the Mecklenburg Lake District. It consists of two separate parts - one around the Müritz, Germany's largest lake, and one to the east near Serrahn. The landscape is characterized by forests, moors, lakes and vast meadows. Many endangered animal and plant species find a protected habitat here - including cranes, ospreys, white-tailed eagles, red deer and even rare insects and amphibians.

    Read more: "Müritz National Park"
  • Kunstmuseum Ahrenshoop, Außenansicht // © Kurverwaltung Ahrenshoop · Foto voigt&kranz UG, Prerow

    Kunstmuseum Ahrenshoop – Ahrenshoop Museum of Art

    • Open today
    • Weg zum Hohen Ufer, 18347 Ahrenshoop

    From Barbizon to the Baltic: See how naturalistic painting came to northern Germany.

    Read more: "Kunstmuseum Ahrenshoop – Ahrenshoop Museum of Art"
  • Painter Beate Fritz // © Fotograf Florian Selig

    Warnemünde Art Studio

    • Kirchenplatz, 18119 Warnemünde

    Changing exhibitions of several regional artists of various art forms. Paintings, drawings, etchings, sculptures, collages, photographs, video art, glass art Admission is free! All works can be purchased.

    Read more: "Warnemünde Art Studio"
  • © TZ Südliche Boddenküste

    Blacksmith & metalworking shop

    • Hauptstraße, 18314 Bartelshagen II b. Barth

    Zeitgeist and tradition Blacksmiths & artistic locksmiths. Classic blacksmiths, architectural metalwork, stainless steel work. Immortal for thousands of years - the blacksmith's craft.

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  • Pottery Poppe-Keramik with sculpture garden

    • Gerhart-Hauptmann-Allee, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Conny Poppe's pottery is located directly in the sculpture garden of the artist Franz Poppe. An idyllic garden and insider tip. There is a small shop where you can buy everyday ceramics.

    Read more: "Pottery Poppe-Keramik with sculpture garden"
  • © Thomas Lehnigk

    Studio Lehnigk - Brickyard on the B5

    • Friedensstraße, 19288 Kummer

    Sculptor Thomas Lehnigk makes sculptures from stone - for example, from the Mecklenburg lawn ironstone - and steel, as well as objects for home and garden.

    Read more: "Studio Lehnigk - Brickyard on the B5"
  • Konnichi wa Mecklenburg // © Schloss Mitsuko

    Mitsuko Castle

    • Kastanienallee, 17168 Todendorf

    Mitsuko Castle Museum is a museum of Japanese culture and contemporary art. It houses a large Japan collection of art, folk art, ceramics, textiles and a Japan library. From all this, a part is constantly on display. This collection also includes a number of permanent loans and donations.

    Read more: "Mitsuko Castle"
  • © Martina Kriedel

    The studio Martina Kriedel

    • Baumstraße, 19230 Zapel bei Hagenow

    In the midst of rustic nature lies the idyllic Zapel. There, where hedgehog and hare say "good night" to each other, you will discover the "Atelier Martina Kriedel". In a cozy atmosphere, you can look over the artist's shoulder as she creates. Here you will find the individually suitable gift for every occasion - whether portrait or self-designed marionette.

    Read more: "The studio Martina Kriedel"
  • © Silke Daniel

    Lasee

    • Dorfstraße, 19246 Lassahn am Schaalsee

    Felting unique wool items

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  • © Julia Gnodtke

    Teterow City Library

    • Open today
    • Neukalener Straße, 17166 Teterow

    The meeting place for young and old bookworms, culture lovers and art enthusiasts in the Bergringstadt.

    Read more: "Teterow City Library"
  • Anne-Katrin Altwein: Allonge. Marmor. Atelier ARQUOIA Ausstellung und Skulpturengarten in Ivenack // © Foto: Raphael Wolf

    ARQUOIA studio - exhibition and sculpture garden

    • Eichenallee, 17153 Ivenack

    More than 100, partly changing art objects inside and in the open space complete the insight into the ARQUOIA studio.

    Read more: "ARQUOIA studio - exhibition and sculpture garden"
  • Sommergalerie Klein Gievitz // © A. Mecklenburg

    Summer Gallery Klein Gievitz

    • Klein Gievitz, 17192 Peenehagen

    North of Waren (Müritz), the Klein Gievitz summer gallery presents one or two exhibitions a year with paintings by Annette Mecklenburg and works by one or two guest artists. The artworks are shown in two exhibition rooms dominated by wood, glass, clay and brick as well as in the garden.

    Read more: "Summer Gallery Klein Gievitz"
  • Blick in die Dauerausstellung des Atelierhauses // © Christin Sobeck / Archiv Ernst Barlach Stiftung

    Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow - Studio House

    • Heidberg, 18273 Güstrow

    Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) was not only a draftsman, graphic artist and writer, but also one of the most important sculptors of German Expressionism. In his studio house and the Gertruden Chapel, the Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow present the world's largest contiguous collection of works by the internationally renowned artist.

    Read more: "Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow - Studio House"
  • © Sabine Oettel

    Laevensart ceramics - Sabine Oettel

    • An der Miela, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft, OT Laeven

    In my workshop you will find handmade ceramics with clear shapes and colors. I mainly produce single vessels and small series, gladly also according to customer wishes. I cordially invite you to see my assortment in my showroom and I will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about my work in the attached workshop.

    Read more: "Laevensart ceramics - Sabine Oettel"
  • Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey

    • Rattey, 17349 Schönbeck

    Since 2020, the artist Werner Kothe has been showing his glass art objects in the open space - in the middle of the village, opposite the castle - the exhibition is open all year round.

    Read more: "Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey"
  • Töpferei Roswitha Ziethen // © Silke Voss

    Roswitha Ziethen

    • Ganschendorf, 17111 Sarow OT Ganschendorf

    Many fall in love at first sight with the opulent ladies, joyfully brought to life by the hands of former art teacher Roswitha Ziethen.

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  • MV-Kunst Galerie // © Wolfgang Hube

    MV Art Gallery

    • Open today
    • Krähenberger Holz, 18337 Marlow

    In the MV Art Gallery, self-taught artists Wolfgang Hube and Kathy H-Teufel exhibit their paintings, painted ostrich eggs, stones and jewelry created using a wide variety of techniques. Guests can also become active themselves in the painting workshop. A guided tour of the gallery is free of charge.

    Read more: "MV Art Gallery"
  • Exterior view of the Quadrados Gallery // © Heidrun Klimmey

    Gallery Quadrados

    • Küstergang, 18209 Bad Doberan

    In the heart of downtown Bad Doberan, the gallery shows contemporary art with prints and paintings by Heidrun Klimmey herself and, in thematically changing exhibitions, works by other artists.

    Read more: "Gallery Quadrados"
  • © Friedemann Löber

    Ceramic workshop Friedemann Löber

    • Bernhard-Seitz-Weg, 18347 Ostseebad Ahrenshoop OT Althagen

    Studio and gallery in the thorn house

    Read more: "Ceramic workshop Friedemann Löber"
  • © Katharina Faust

    Clay bells

    • Am Markt, 18209 Bad Doberan

    Green Happiness. Experience hands-on ceramics in my small, dreamy shop right on the market, accessible from the back. Take a look behind the scenes in the pottery workshop. Enjoy coffee or tea, with a delicious piece of homemade cake and browse comfortably through the store. We look forward to seeing you.

    Read more: "Clay bells"
  • Café und Restaurant café-wunder-bar // © Sabine Maus

    Restaurant Café Wunder-Bar

    • Open today
    • Am Markt, 18334 Bad Sülze

    East of Rostock, between the Hanseatic Cities of Stralsund and Greifswald, the café-wunder-bar restaurant is located in Bad Sülze, directly at the market, in the oldest spa town in northern Germany. On our outdoor terrace you can enjoy the tranquility of the greenery and the view of the town church from 1362 with coffee and ice cream specialties

    Read more: "Restaurant Café Wunder-Bar"
  • Luzin Theater

    • OT Wittenhagen, Zansenweg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Alejandro Quintana and Sylvia Bretschneider opened their LuzinTheater in September 2017. A maximum of 60 spectators can experience professional acting, the amateur theater group "Die Bühnenlichter" and guest performances here. Admission is paid on exit. In summer there is cinema on the last Monday of every month. Admission 4,- €

    Read more: "Luzin Theater"
  • Gallery nupnau art, Prerow // © Paolo Schubert/nupnau art

    Art gallery nupnau art

    • Waldstraße, 18375 Prerow

    In Prerow, photographer, gallery owner and journalist Ekkehart Nupnau opened a new gallery for art and photography at Waldstraße 7 in June 2022. The focus of his exhibitions throughout the year is the multi-talented Armin Mueller-Stahl.

    Read more: "Art gallery nupnau art"
  • Stonework Gallery

    • Mathäistraße, 18465 Tribsees

    Historic fire and baroque stones in new guise and paintings. Gallery in historic vaulted cellar.

    Read more: "Stonework Gallery"
  • Gallery Behind the City Hall

    • Open today
    • Hinter dem Rathaus, 23966 Wismar

    Contemporary painting and photography, at the intersection of abstraction and realism

    Read more: "Gallery Behind the City Hall"
  • MK Kaehne FIGHT exhibition view // © Lutz Grünke

    Gallery Hartwich Rügen

    • Schulstraße, 18586 Ostseebad Sellin

    Contemporary art from Germany and Scandinavia in changing exhibitions all year round in a historic fire station building in the Baltic resort of Sellin on the axis between the harbor and the pier.

    Read more: "Gallery Hartwich Rügen"
  • Ilya Strittmatter / Heike Wiehle

    • Siedlungsweg, 17099 Sadelkow

    Here you can enjoy watching the wheel turning and have a coffee in the garden.

    Read more: "Ilya Strittmatter / Heike Wiehle"
  • Tulip design // © KERAMIK ton-studio-m-1/Marquardt

    CERAMICS sound studio-m-1

    • Butzebarg, 18337 Fahrenhaupt

    Beautiful ceramics for everyday use! Handmade in faience technique. Decor: fish and tulips. Dishwasher safe.

    Read more: "CERAMICS sound studio-m-1"
  • Eine beeindruckende Steilküste mit weißen Kreidefelsen, dicht bewaldeten Hängen und dem Meer im Vordergrund. // © Nationalpark-Zentrum KÖNIGSSTUHL / Dan Petermann

    KÖNIGSSTUHL National Park Center

    • Open today
    • Stubbenkammer, 18546 Sassnitz

    Right next to the famous Königsstuhl chalk cliffs and the UNESCO World Heritage Old Beech Forests, the KÖNIGSSTUHL National Park Center offers a special nature experience for the whole family, whatever the weather. A world full of secrets is waiting to be discovered on 2,000 square meters of exhibition space and 28,000 square meters of outdoor area - multilingual and barrier-free.

    Read more: "KÖNIGSSTUHL National Park Center"
  • © Hiddenseer Hafen- und Kurbetrieb

    Sexton's house - Gallery at the archway

    • Am Klostertor, 18565 Kloster

    It was reconstructed from the old school and sexton's house to become the winter church and parish hall of the monastery.

    Read more: "Sexton's house - Gallery at the archway"

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