What is the Unterlinden Museum, and where is it located?

The Unterlinden Museum is an art, history, and design museum situated in Colmar, within the Alsace region of France. It is recognized as a Musée de France and is the most visited museum in Alsace, attracting approximately 200,000 visitors annually.

What historical buildings house the Unterlinden Museum?

The museum is primarily housed within a 13th-century Dominican religious sisters' convent and a former public baths building constructed in 1906. These structures provide a unique historical setting for the museum's diverse collections.

What is the most renowned artwork displayed at the Unterlinden Museum?

The Unterlinden Museum is most famous for housing the Isenheim Altarpiece, a significant work by the German Renaissance painter Matthias Grünewald. This masterpiece is a major draw for visitors to the museum.

When was the Unterlinden Museum established, and what was its initial collection like?

The museum was established in 1849 by the Société Schongauer, an organization founded in 1847. Initially, its collection centered around a Roman mosaic discovered in Bergheim, Haut-Rhin, and plaster copies of antique sculptures on loan from the Louvre Museum.

How did the focus of the Unterlinden Museum's collection evolve shortly after its establishment?

In 1852, the museum's collection focus shifted significantly when the Isenheim Altarpiece and other large painted and sculpted altarpieces from former churches, abbeys, and monasteries in the Upper Rhenish region were installed in the building. The museum then opened its doors to the general public in 1853.

What prompted the need for expansion and renovation of the Unterlinden Museum over the decades?

The museum experienced steady growth in the number of its displayed artifacts across various domains, necessitating more space and better utilization of available areas. This need for expansion arose in the 1950s, again in the 1980s, and most recently in the 2000s.

Describe the major expansion project undertaken between 2009 and 2015.

During this period, the adjacent Neo-Baroque former public baths building was transformed into an annex, connected to the original convent building by underground exhibition rooms. A new building for temporary exhibitions was also added, and the former cloister was renovated, significantly increasing the museum's total area open to the public.

Who designed the renovation and expansion project for the Unterlinden Museum, and when was the enlarged museum inaugurated?

The expansion project was designed by the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. The enlarged museum was inaugurated on January 23, 2016, by the President of France, François Hollande.

What was the approximate cost associated with the Unterlinden Museum's expansion?

The official cost reported for the expansion project was 44 million Euros, although the final cost ultimately reached 48.7 million Euros. This cost overrun reportedly caused frustration for the then-mayor of Colmar.

What types of art and artifacts are featured in the Unterlinden Museum's collections, beyond the Isenheim Altarpiece?

The museum boasts a major collection of Upper Rhenish medieval and early Renaissance art, local and international archaeology, medieval, Renaissance, and baroque sculpture, stained glass, weapons, furniture, musical instruments, toys from the 14th to 19th centuries, ancient wine barrels, and modern and contemporary art.

Which prominent local artist is well-represented in the museum's collection, and what types of their works are included?

Martin Schongauer, a native of Colmar, is prominently featured with several altarpieces, along with a large number of his original drawings, engravings, and woodcuts, showcasing his significant contribution to Northern Renaissance art.

Besides Schongauer, name three other notable artists whose works are part of the museum's medieval and early Renaissance collection.

Other notable artists represented include Albrecht Dürer (known for his engravings), Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Hans Holbein the Elder. Local painters like Caspar Isenmann and Jost Haller are also featured.

What specific types of items are included in the museum's collections related to decorative arts and daily life?

The museum displays weapons, furniture, musical instruments, and toys dating from the 14th to the 19th century. It also holds a collection of ancient, ornate wine barrels, a donation from Jean-Jacques Waltz.

What challenge did the museum face regarding its modern and contemporary art collection prior to the 2015 expansion?

Due to a general lack of space, the museum's extensive modern and contemporary art collection, which includes works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, and Fernand Léger, had seldom been displayed in its entirety. The 2015 expansion was specifically intended to address this issue.

What is the significance of the designation "Musée de France"?

The designation "Musée de France" signifies that the Unterlinden Museum meets specific standards set by the French Ministry of Culture, indicating its importance as a public cultural institution holding and preserving national heritage.

What architectural style characterizes the former public baths building that was transformed into a museum annex?

The former public baths building, which now serves as an annex to the museum, is described as being in the Neo-Baroque architectural style, adding another layer of historical and stylistic interest to the museum complex.

How did the museum's total area open to the public change after the 2015 expansion?

Following the 2015 expansion, the total area open to the public was significantly enlarged to 8,000 square meters (approximately 86,000 square feet), allowing for better display of its collections.

What is the function of the "Authority control" section at the end of the article?

The "Authority control" section provides links to various international and national databases (like ISNI, VIAF, GND, Library of Congress, BnF) that catalog information about the museum. This helps to uniquely identify and organize data related to the institution and its holdings.

What does the gallery section of the article showcase?

The gallery section presents a visual collection of various artworks and architectural features associated with the Unterlinden Museum, with each image accompanied by a descriptive caption that identifies the subject or artwork.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Main entrance of the museum."

The Unterlinden Museum features a main entrance, which is depicted in one of the provided images within the gallery section, offering a visual reference point for visitors.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "New aisle of the museum, the former public baths."

An image shows a new section of the Unterlinden Museum, which was formerly the municipal public baths, highlighting the integration of historical structures into the museum's expanded space.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "The cloister."

The cloister area of the Unterlinden Museum, a significant architectural element often found in monastic buildings, is showcased in one of the gallery images.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Gallo-Roman mosaic from Bergheim, Haut-Rhin (detail)."

A detailed view of a Gallo-Roman mosaic, originating from Bergheim in the Haut-Rhin region, is presented as part of the museum's archaeological collection.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Romanesque capital with merman."

An image displays a Romanesque architectural capital, a decorative element from a column, which is adorned with the motif of a merman.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Upper Rhenish Master, Madonna with Child aka. Virgin of Niedermorschwihr."

The artwork titled "Madonna with Child," also known as the "Virgin of Niedermorschwihr," created by an Upper Rhenish Master, is featured in the gallery, representing religious art from the period.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Veit Wagner (attributed to), Bergheim altarpiece (detail)."

A detail from the Bergheim altarpiece, an artwork attributed to the artist Veit Wagner, is illustrated in the gallery, showcasing religious panel painting.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Caspar (or Gaspard) Isenmann, Entry into Jerusalem and Last Supper."

The painting depicting the biblical scenes of "Entry into Jerusalem and Last Supper" by Caspar (or Gaspard) Isenmann is shown in the museum's gallery, representing a significant work from the Upper Rhenish school.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Martin Schongauer, Orlier Altarpiece: Annunciation."

An image displays the "Annunciation" panel from the Orlier Altarpiece, a work by the renowned artist Martin Schongauer, highlighting his skill in religious narrative painting.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Hans Holbein the Elder, Portrait of a Woman."

The museum's collection includes a portrait of a woman, painted by the artist Hans Holbein the Elder, representing portraiture from the early Renaissance period.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Lucas Cranach the Elder, Melancholy."

An artwork titled "Melancholy," created by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1532, is displayed within the museum's collection, possibly exploring themes of the human condition.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Ruckers harpsichord from Flanders, built 1624."

A Ruckers harpsichord, a type of keyboard instrument known for its intricate sound, constructed in Flanders in 1624, is part of the museum's collection of musical instruments.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Théophile Schuler, The Chariot of Death."

The painting "The Chariot of Death" by Théophile Schuler is featured in the gallery section of the article, likely depicting a symbolic or historical theme.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Claude Monet, The Valley of the Creuse, Sunset."

An artwork by the renowned Impressionist painter Claude Monet, titled "The Valley of the Creuse, Sunset," is included in the museum's collection, representing landscape painting.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Emmanuel Benner, A Family in the Stone Age."

The painting "A Family in the Stone Age," created by Emmanuel Benner and dated 1892, is shown in the gallery, possibly depicting prehistoric life.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Pierre Bonnard, Normand Landscape."

A "Normand Landscape" painting by Pierre Bonnard, a notable artist associated with the Nabis movement, is part of the museum's holdings, showcasing Post-Impressionist style.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Robert Delaunay, Still Life with a Parrot."

The museum displays "Still Life with a Parrot," an artwork by Robert Delaunay, who was a pioneer of Orphism, known for his use of vibrant color and abstract forms.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Raoul Dufy, Pink Nude."

An artwork titled "Pink Nude," created by Raoul Dufy in 1930 using gouache on paper and smoothed canvas, is featured in the gallery, representing modern art.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Clock face (1582)."

An image displays a historical clock face dating back to the year 1582, possibly an artifact related to timekeeping or horology.

Rephrase the description of the image captioned "Commemorative cross (1762)."

A commemorative cross, erected in 1762, is shown in the gallery section of the article, likely marking a historical event or dedication.

What is the official website address for the Unterlinden Museum?

The official website for the Unterlinden Museum can be accessed at www.musee-unterlinden.com, providing information about the museum and its collections.

What is the approximate annual visitor count for the Unterlinden Museum?

The Unterlinden Museum receives approximately 200,000 visitors per year, solidifying its position as the most visited museum in the Alsace region.

Who is identified as the current director of the Unterlinden Museum?

As of July 2023, Camille Broucke holds the position of director at the Unterlinden Museum.

What is the significance of the map included in the museum's infobox?

The map provides a geographical location for the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, France, allowing users to pinpoint its exact position using mapping services and understand its regional context.

What types of collections does the Unterlinden Museum house, as indicated by its classification?

The Unterlinden Museum is classified as an Art museum, a History museum, and a Design museum, reflecting the diverse range of its holdings from prehistory to contemporary times.

What is the historical origin of the buildings that house the Unterlinden Museum?

The museum is housed in a 13th-century Dominican convent and a 1906 former public baths building, integrating historical architecture with its cultural exhibits.

What role did the Société Schongauer play in the museum's history?

The Société Schongauer, founded in 1847, was instrumental in saving the convent buildings after the French Revolution and subsequently bequeathed them to the municipality, leading to the establishment of the museum.

What specific types of artworks by Martin Schongauer are held by the museum?

The Unterlinden Museum holds several altarpieces by Martin Schongauer, along with a significant number of his original drawings, engravings, and woodcuts, showcasing his mastery in various artistic mediums.

Which architects were responsible for the modern expansion of the Unterlinden Museum?

The modern expansion and renovation project for the Unterlinden Museum were designed by the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron.

What is the purpose of the bibliography section in the article?

The bibliography section lists published works related to the Unterlinden Museum, such as guides and catalogs, providing valuable resources for further research into its collections and history.

What external resources are provided for further information about the Unterlinden Museum's collection?

External resources include links to Wikimedia Commons for related media, the museum's official website, and online databases like Webmuseo and Joconde, which offer selections of the museum's artworks for viewing.

Unterlinden Museum Wiki: Unterlinden Museum: A Tapestry of Alsatian Heritage and Artistic Mastery

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The Unterlinden Museum

Location & Heritage

Nestled in the picturesque city of Colmar, within the Alsace region of France, the Unterlinden Museum resides within a historically significant complex. It uniquely combines a 13th-century Dominican convent with a repurposed 1906 public baths building, creating a distinctive architectural narrative.

Museum Classification

Recognized as a Musée de France, it functions as a multifaceted institution, encompassing significant collections in art, history, and design. This broad scope allows for a comprehensive presentation of cultural heritage.

Visitor Engagement

Consistently drawing approximately 200,000 visitors annually, the Unterlinden Museum stands as the most frequented museum in the Alsace region. This high level of engagement underscores its importance and appeal to both local and international audiences.

A Storied Past

Foundation and Early Collections

The museum's origins trace back to 1849 when the buildings, abandoned after the French Revolution, were preserved by the founding members of the Société Schongauer. Initially, the collection featured a Roman mosaic from Bergheim and plaster casts from the Louvre. The focus dramatically shifted in 1852 with the installation of the Isenheim Altarpiece and other significant religious artworks from local churches and monasteries.

Growth and Adaptation

Throughout the 20th century, the museum experienced steady growth in its artifact holdings across various domains. This expansion necessitated spatial adaptations, particularly in the 1950s and 1980s, to better utilize the available space within the historically classified buildings. The need for further space became apparent in the 2000s, leading to a major redevelopment project.

Public Opening

The museum officially opened its doors to the public in 1853, shortly after the pivotal acquisition and installation of the Isenheim Altarpiece. This marked the beginning of its role as a vital cultural institution for Colmar and the wider Alsace region.

Diverse Collections

Masterpieces of Art

The museum is globally celebrated for housing the Isenheim Altarpiece, a seminal work by Matthias Grünewald.^[2] It also boasts a significant collection of Upper Rhenish medieval and early Renaissance art, prominently featuring works by Martin Schongauer, alongside pieces by Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Hans Holbein the Elder.

Historical Artifacts

Beyond fine art, the Unterlinden Museum presents a rich array of historical artifacts. These include collections spanning local and international archaeology, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque sculpture, intricate stained glass, and an eclectic mix of weapons, furniture, musical instruments, and toys dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries.

Unique Displays

A notable and unique collection features ancient, ornate wine barrels, a testament to the region's viticultural heritage, generously donated by Jean-Jacques Waltz. This collection offers insight into the historical practices and craftsmanship associated with winemaking in Alsace.

Modern and Contemporary Works

The museum actively engages with contemporary art, housing works by influential artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, Fernand Léger, Serge Poliakoff, Georges Rouault, Pierre Bonnard, Robert Delaunay, Otto Dix, and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva. The recent expansion was specifically designed to better accommodate and display this vital collection.

Architectural Evolution

The Herzog & de Meuron Project

To address the growing need for space and modern facilities, the Colmar municipality commissioned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron in 2009. Their ambitious project aimed to renovate the existing structures and significantly expand the museum's footprint.

Integration and Innovation

The expansion involved transforming the adjacent Neo-Baroque former public baths into a new wing, connected to the historic convent via newly created underground exhibition spaces. A dedicated building for temporary exhibitions was also constructed, alongside a thorough renovation of the cloister. This integration respects the historical context while providing state-of-the-art exhibition capabilities.

Inauguration and Impact

The enlarged museum, nearly doubling the original floor area, was inaugurated on December 12, 2015, by French President François Hollande.^[10] The project, with a final cost of approximately 48.7 million Euros, significantly enhances the museum's capacity to display its diverse collections, particularly modern and contemporary art.

Visual Highlights

A curated selection of notable works and architectural features within the Unterlinden Museum.

Main Entrance

The primary access point to the museum complex.

Chapel & Altarpiece

The historic chapel housing the Isenheim Altarpiece.

Former Baths Wing

The repurposed building forming a significant part of the new exhibition space.

The Cloister

A serene space within the museum complex, recently renovated.

Gallo-Roman Mosaic

An ancient mosaic discovered in Bergheim, Haut-Rhin.

Romanesque Capital

A Romanesque capital depicting a merman.

Virgin of Niedermorschwihr

Madonna and Child painting by the Upper Rhenish Master.

Bergheim Altarpiece

Detail from an altarpiece attributed to Veit Wagner.

Annunciation

Work by Martin Schongauer from the Orlier Altarpiece.

Portrait of a Woman

Painting by Hans Holbein the Elder.

Melancholy

Engraving by Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Ruckers Harpsichord

A 1624 harpsichord from Flanders.

The Chariot of Death

Painting by Théophile Schuler.

Normand Landscape

Painting by Pierre Bonnard.

Still Life with Parrot

Work by Robert Delaunay.

Pink Nude

Gouache on paper by Raoul Dufy.

Clock Face (1582)

An historical clock face.

Commemorative Cross (1762)

A historical commemorative cross.

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References

Samples of the collection on the Base Joconde

A full list of references for this article are available at the Unterlinden Museum Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the source material, the content may not be exhaustive or reflect the absolute latest information.

This is not professional curatorial or historical advice. The information provided should not substitute consultation with museum professionals, art historians, or cultural heritage experts. Always refer to official museum resources and expert guidance for in-depth understanding or specific inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Unterlinden Museum

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The Unterlinden Museum 🏛️

📍 Location & Heritage

🏛️ Museum Classification

👥 Visitor Engagement

A Storied Past ⏳

📜 Foundation and Early Collections

🏗️ Growth and Adaptation

✨ Public Opening

Diverse Collections 🎨

🖼️ Masterpieces of Art

🏺 Historical Artifacts

🍷 Unique Displays

🌟 Modern and Contemporary Works

Architectural Evolution 🏗️

📐 The Herzog & de Meuron Project

💡 Integration and Innovation

🎉 Inauguration and Impact

Visual Highlights 🖼️

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Unterlinden Museum

Location & Heritage

Museum Classification

Visitor Engagement

A Storied Past

Foundation and Early Collections

Growth and Adaptation

Public Opening

Diverse Collections

Masterpieces of Art

Historical Artifacts

Unique Displays

Modern and Contemporary Works

Architectural Evolution

The Herzog & de Meuron Project

Integration and Innovation

Inauguration and Impact

Visual Highlights

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice