The History of Albert-König-Museum
The Albert-König-Museum was established in Unterlüß, Südheide, Germany, to preserve the artistic estate of the painter and graphic artist Albert König (1881–1944). The institution opened its doors on June 19, 1987. It occupies the former residence and studio of the artist, maintaining a direct connection to the space where his work was produced.
The museum functions as a repository for a significant body of work. Its archive contains over 12,000 works. This collection is built upon the original estate of Albert König, which forms the foundation of the museum's holdings. The site serves to protect these works and provide a permanent location for the study of his output and the regional artists associated with the area.
The Museum Building and Facilities
The museum is situated in the former residence and studio of the artist, preserving the physical space where his creative life unfolded. This original structure is integrated with an exhibition hall and an archive that holds a significant portion of the artist's legacy. An extension building was constructed to house the permanent exhibition, providing dedicated space for the museum's core displays.
Beyond the galleries, the facility functions as a venue for various community events. The spaces are used for concerts, readings, theater, comedy, and weddings. Within the museum, a research island has been established to allow visitors to examine the specific techniques used by the artist. This station provides a practical way to understand the application of his methods.
The Artistic Collection of Albert König
The museum preserves the artistic estate of Albert König, which forms the core of the institution's holdings. This collection includes more than 220 paintings and approximately 1,200 watercolors. The archive contains about 1,800 works from the artist's estate, providing a substantial record of his output. In addition to these works, the museum holds several hundred prints created by König.
The focus of the collection often centers on the natural world, specifically tree portraits and landscapes. König's technical range is evident through his use of oil, tempera, pencil, and various printmaking methods such as woodcut, linocut, zinc etching, and line etching. Beyond the works of König, the museum maintains a selection of pieces by other artists who are significant to the region.
- Albert Oehm (1855–1919), 1907 - Albert Koenig
- Weather Clouds, 1920 - Albert Koenig
- Flohr-Mühle, 1916 - Albert Koenig
- Reclining Nude with Green Blanket - Albert Koenig
- Full Moon Night, 1920 - Albert Koenig
- Woman with Blue Bowl (Dorothea König in Profile), 1920 - Albert Koenig
Exhibitions and Special Programs
The museum hosts various thematic exhibitions that examine different facets of art and nature. A special exhibition titled "Schatten unterschätzt und übersehen" is scheduled to run from October 25, 2026, to February 07, 2027. This follows the "Albert König – Ein Malerleben" exhibition, which opened on August 08, 2021. These programs allow for a focused study of specific artistic periods or subject matters within the collection.
Beyond static displays, the institution functions as a venue for diverse cultural events. The schedule includes regular concerts, readings, theater, and comedy evenings. These gatherings take place within the museum's halls, utilizing the space for community engagement. The atmosphere is intended to be cultural and cozy, providing a setting for social gatherings and private ceremonies. Couples may hold weddings within the museum premises.
The Kieselgur Experience Exhibition
Located within the museum's extension building, the permanent exhibition titled "Kieselgur – Die Erlebnis-ausstellung" addresses the natural history of the region. The display focuses specifically on the mineral diatomite, known locally as Kieselgur. This exhibition provides a direct connection to the geological foundations of the Lüneburger Heide.
The exhibition is designed to be interactive. Visitors may listen to various experience reports or engage in experiments using different preparations. For those interested in closer observation, a research station is provided where individuals can take a seat at a microscope to examine specimens. This hands-on approach allows for a detailed study of the microscopic structures inherent to the material.
Visiting Information and Admission
The Albert-König-Museum maintains regular opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday, between 14:30 and 17:30. During the winter period, specifically from November 1 to April 30, the museum is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors should note that the museum will be closed for exhibition preparations from October 12 to October 24, 2026.
Admission is free on every Friday from May to October. This seasonal policy allows for broader access to the collection and the Kieselgur experience exhibition during the warmer months. For those planning a visit outside of these specific windows, the standard operating hours remain the primary guide for entry.
