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TWO NEW MUSEUMS ON THE LOWER RHINE:Site of the Nibelung Treasure and Cloister Museum in Xanten
There are many reasons to visit the Lower Rhine. As from 2010 there will be two more because two more museums will be opening in Xanten. This historical town on the banks of the Rhine is not only an ancient Roman city, it is also inseparably linked with that great European epic saga of the Nibelungenlied (Song of the Nibelungs), which has been classified by UNESCO as a world heritage document. The story begins in Xanten. It is the story of Siegfried, the king's son who goes out into the world to win fame, seek adventure and the love of his life. "The Song of the Nibelungs is the great saga of the Germans. The site of the Nibelungen treasure will open in spring 2010 and will take visitors on a voyage through sagas and history. Museum director Dr. Ralph Trost explains why guests should visit the museum at all costs: "We are the only museum that interprets the saga and its cultural significance. It explains why the Nibelung saga became a national epic." For more information see www.nibelungen-xanten.de And as if that were not enough, in May 2010 the new cloister museum will also open in Xanten. Most exhibits come from the cloister of St Viktor, which was de-secularised in 1802 and whose treasures were kept in the treasury, the cloister library and its archives. Particular exhibits are valuable gold smith's tools, sculptures and textiles and rare documents, manuscripts and printed matter. The magnificent exhibits include an ivory pyxis (a small box used to hold communion wafers) from Syria (around 600), the chasuble of St Bernhard of Clairvaux (Byzantium, about 1100) and one of the oldest preserved monstrances (1370/80). Museum director Dr. Udo Grote is enthusiastic. "Originals of national and international status can now be seen in these historic premises. They give a fascinating glimpse into the world from the mediaeval era to the time of Napoleon!" For more information see www.stiftsmuseum-xanten.de WORTH SEEING: THE LOWER RHINEAttractive for Lovers of Modern Art
ART is indeed very important on the Lower Rhine. Schloss Moyland in Bedburg-Hau attracts lovers of modern art to this internationally respected museum with its collection of the works of Rheinland avant-garde artist Joseph Beuys. The historical bath-houses of the former spa town of Kleve also offers something special in the field of art with its Mataré collection. Krefeld is also popular with art lovers with the works of many respected contemporary artists in the Kaiser Wilhelm Museum and in the Esters and Lange houses. A well-kept secret is the Otto Pankok Museum at the idyllically situated Esselt manor in Hünxe with works by the painter and sculptor. In Viersen modern art is put in the limelight in the open air. The collection of sculptures has been located in the "City Gallery in the Park for the last 20 years, which was built in 1868. The collection, which was started by the local history association, and its collection of works by top contemporary artists is worth a visit. The works of American artist Marc di Suvero (a red steel sculpture), the Düsseldorf artist Erwin Heerich (a monument of basalt lava from the Eifel hills) and the Rector of the Düsseldorf Academy of Art, Anthony Cragg (a bronze sculpture "spine" in the form language which has become typical for him) are all represented there. Günter Haese created his unique large sculpture entitled "Optimus II" especially for the Viersen collection and Roberto Sebastian Antonia Matta Echaurren has contributed his bronze sculpture "Chaosmos". For more information see www.skulpturensammlung-viersen.de. |
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