Kestnergesellschaft

About

Kestnergesellschaft Hannover is one of Europe’s leading contemporary art institutions, located at Goseriede 11 in the heart of the city. Founded in 1916 by a group of civic-minded patrons including Hermann Bahlsen and August Madsack, the association was named after diplomat and art historian August Kestner. Its mission has always been to showcase international avant-garde art, and early exhibitions featured icons like Kandinsky, El Lissitzky, and Käthe Kollwitz. Over the decades, the institution has hosted groundbreaking shows by artists such as Paul Klee, Cindy Sherman, and Santiago Sierra. Since 1997, it has occupied the former Goseriedebad building, a repurposed public bathhouse with five distinct exhibition halls. The venue blends industrial charm with modern design, offering a dynamic platform for painting, photography, video, and installation art. Kestnergesellschaft also organizes lectures, performances, and educational programs, fostering critical dialogue and artistic innovation in Hanover’s cultural scene.

Hanover Germany

Location

The Kestnergesellschaft is located at Goseriede 11 in Hannover’s Mitte district, just a short walk of about ten minutes from Hannover Central Station. It is situated in the heart of the city near the historic old town, close to other cultural landmarks like the Marktkirche and the Sprengel Museum of modern art. The area surrounding the gallery offers many cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a lively and accessible spot for visitors exploring Hannover’s vibrant arts scene. The building itself, once a bathhouse, now hosts contemporary art exhibitions and is well connected by public transport, including bus, tram, and subway lines.