Acquisition of Significant Artworks for Public Art Collections

Acquisition of Significant Artworks for Public Collections enables public museums, libraries, and exhibition venues throughout Germany to incorporate outstanding objects of fine art, applied arts artifacts, and ancient manuscripts into their holdings. The Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation supports this process in an uncomplicated and committed manner: depending on the scope of funding, it assumes full or partial ownership of the selected artworks and collections. Since its founding in 1983, over 560 acquisitions have enriched museum collections and sustainably strengthened their profile as well as their art-historical substance. Thanks to ongoing funds, applicants can register their funding needs at any time.

Eligible for funding are exclusively public-law institutions and non-profit organizations in Germany. Expenses for the acquisition of works as well as the assumption of partial or full ownership are supported. Selection is based on art-historical significance, the condition of the object, and the meaningful complement to existing holdings. A thorough documentation and justification of the intended expansion is part of the application. Since applications can be submitted at any time and the procedure is designed for swift decisions, collection managers benefit from timely financing of innovative acquisition projects. Support from the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation contributes to making valuable cultural assets permanently accessible to the public and securing the cultural heritage in Germany.