Museum Georg Schäfer
A Temple for Realism
Art
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© 2021
A Masterpiece of Architecture and Art
The Museum Georg Schäfer in Schweinfurt has attracted international attention since its opening in 2000—both for its high-caliber exhibits and as an architectural masterpiece by Volker Staab. It houses a globally unique collection of German painting and drawing from the period 1760 to 1930. In terms of quality and scope, it stands on par with the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin or the Neue Pinakothek in Munich.
From Ball Bearings to Fine Art
Our journey down the River Main leads us to Schweinfurt, a city many primarily know as an industrial hub for transmissions and ball bearings. In fact, these bearings were the "engine" for this museum: Georg Schäfer (1896-1975) developed the technology into a key industry in the early 20th century. His success provided the financial means for his passion for collecting, with a primary focus on 19th-century German art.
A Collection of World Renown
The core of the foundation, established in 1997, consists of around 1,000 paintings and over 4,600 drawings. Through extensive donations, the museum became the most significant private collection of this era in the German-speaking world. It is always fascinating to see how the flow of time continues, helping us better understand the present through the perspectives of the past. The museum serves as a forum for the international promotion of this art.
