A Monumental Pavilion for Anselm Kiefer’s Masterpiece
A colossal work by German artist Anselm Kiefer, “Schwarze Flocken” (Black Flakes), has been given a permanent home in Künzelsau, Germany. The project, known as the pavilion dedicated to Kiefer’s piece, was constructed by David Chipperfield Architects. This freestanding pavilion has been crafted specifically to house Kiefer’s painting, which measures over eleven meters tall and seven meters wide. Opened on October 13, 2026, in the sculpture garden of Museum Würth 2, the exhibition marked the public unveiling of the piece.
Created in 2007, “Schwarze Flocken” is the largest canvas in the Würth Collection, featuring oil, emulsion, shellac, earth, and twigs on a heavily textured surface. The painting takes its title from a Paul Celan poem that addresses the Holocaust’s tragedies, with Kiefer’s layers adding depth and gravity to this historical reflection.
A Striking Concrete Structure in the Landscape
Positioned on a hillside at the southwestern corner of the Carmen Würth Forum, also a creation by David Chipperfield Architects, the pavilion presents a compact monolithic form amidst the sculpture garden. Its textured concrete walls resonate with the surrounding architecture, offering a rough, bush-hammered finish that enhances its tactile quality. A portico offers a transitional space from the landscapes to the soaring interior.
For those interested in bold architectural design, discover the Rarámuri-Inspired Pavilion’s blend of tradition with modern elements, offering a unique take on cultural integration.
The pavilion represents a unique architectural dialogue between Chipperfield’s studio and the Würth Group. This separate structure, tailored for Kiefer’s work, was influenced by the artist himself, who has a history of collaborating on spaces designed for his art. The emphasis on the masterpiece within this structure highlights the artist’s deep connection to German contemporary art.
An Interior Designed for Light and Climate
Inside, Kiefer collaborated closely with the architects to set the exhibition room’s proportions, open placements, and wall colors. The focus lies on the painting under tall ceilings, framed by exposed timber beams, and illuminated by skylights that allow soft natural light to dance across its surface throughout the day.
This pavilion takes an innovative approach to climate control, avoiding active systems through layered wall construction with brickwork and clay plaster, maintaining frost-free conditions. The architecture invites natural light instead of typical gallery lighting, tying the art’s experience to the changing day and seasons.
The pavilion invites exploration of texture and form much like Pablo Luna Studio’s bamboo marvels in Bali, highlighting the seamless blend of nature and design.
An Architectural Dedication to “Anselm Kiefer Black Flakes”
The pavilion offers a unique spatial experience, tailor-made for a single painting. Its design elements are in conversation with Kiefer, formulating a harmonious relationship between art and architecture. After nearly twenty years without exposure, “Schwarze Flocken” can now be appreciated in its full, monumental glory. The exhibit underscores the synergy between the art piece and its dedicated structure, particularly with its large-scale paintings.
Project Details
Project Name: Anselm Kiefer Pavilion
Architect: David Chipperfield Architects | @davidchipperfieldarchitects
Location: Künzelsau, Germany
Artist: artist Anselm Kiefer
Client: company Würth Group
Area: 140 square meters
Completion: October 13, 2026
Photography: © Studio Menges Tugushi
This collaboration showcases a deep synergy between art and architecture, offering a rare encounter with Kiefer’s profound work. The installation remains a pivotal moment in marrying architectural space with a singular masterpiece.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
Where is Anselm Kiefer’s ‘Black Flakes’ pavilion located?
‘Schwarze Flocken’ has been given a permanent home in Künzelsau, Germany, specifically in the sculpture garden of Museum Würth 2.
What materials were used in Kiefer’s painting ‘Black Flakes’?
The painting ‘Schwarze Flocken’ features oil, emulsion, shellac, earth, and twigs on a heavily textured surface.
Who constructed the pavilion for ‘Black Flakes’?
The pavilion for ‘Schwarze Flocken’ was constructed by David Chipperfield Architects.
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