kestnergesellschaft | our philosophy

an institute for the exhibition of international contemporary art
the kestnergesellschaft, located in the center of Hanover, is one of the largest and most well known art associations in Germany. The kestnergesellschaft has maintained its existence since its foundation in 1916 despite the commotions and the explosive artistic, social and technical developments of the 20th century. In the 21st century it remains our goal to present important international artists with their latest works.
The contemporary visual landscape – which not only includes art, but also architecture, fashion or design – is our central interest, along with current music, literature or the theoretical positions of philosophy and the humanities.

program
With our exhibitions and their accompanying catalogues and guided tours, with the kestner lectures, kestner concerts and kestner editions – which are only available from us and exclusively for members – and with the interdisciplinary kestner lab, we have a varied palette of events through which we communicate contemporary art and current theoretical ideas to our visitors and over four thousand members in a lively and sophisticated way at the highest international level.

patrons
Our work is supported by the state of Lower Saxony, our members, our patrons organization, our young patrons association KUNSTKOM and our corporate partners.