The Kurhaus dates back to the heyday of "Bad Cleve" - and you can still take a wonderful stroll around the building today. The building itself houses a museum that exhibits works from the Middle Ages to the present day, although the focus is on contemporary art. The museum's permanent collection includes the artistic estate of Ewald Mataré. Another highlight are the authentic studio rooms of Joseph Beuys in the former Friedrich-Wilhelm-Bad. Beuys worked there for seven years.
Garden art from different eras can be found around the Kurhaus: winding paths, ponds and various types of trees and plants invite you to take a stroll in the surrounding park. The Forstgarten was laid out in the 17th century as part of the Baroque gardens under Johann Moritz von Nassau-Siegen, an important general and diplomat who had a significant influence on the city as governor of Kleve.
In the 19th century, the Forstgarten was transformed into an English landscape garden under the direction of Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe, a well-known garden architect. Curved paths, picturesque lines of sight and varied planting bear witness to this
Sculptures and monuments, which pay tribute to historical figures and set artistic accents, are further eye-catchers in the grounds. The slightly elevated location also offers a wonderful panoramic view over Kleve and the surrounding countryside.
Art, nature and beautiful moments in the border region
Stroll through the enchanting baroque garden around the classicist bathhouses, which now house the Museum Kurhaus Kleve, just as spa guests used to do.
- The former spa town of Kleve is located directly on the German-Dutch border on the lower Lower Rhine.
- Just like the spa guests of old, you can stroll through the enchanting baroque garden around the neoclassical bathhouses, which now house the Museum Kurhaus Kleve.
- The heart of the museum is the 55-metre-long Wandelhalle. Discover this unusual exhibition space for modern and contemporary art, which uniquely combines historical buildings with modern architecture. In the former Badhotel, the museum presents the world's largest collection of works by the Rhineland artist Ewald Mataré.
- From the Museum Café Moritz on the museum's roof terrace, you have a wonderful view of the historic park. If you want to take a stroll through the city after your visit to the museum, you should stop by Café Samocca. There you can enjoy a coffee specialty with a cultural treat, exhibitions and live music.
Excursion tip: A highlight for nostalgics is the Viller Mühle in Goch. The puppeteer Heinz Bömler has transformed the grain and oil mill into historic stores where you can discover long-forgotten goods from your childhood and youth. Alternatively, a trip to Arnhem in the Netherlands is worthwhile. Inspired by the local academy for fashion, there are many small boutiques and cafés to discover in the pretty old town.
Overnight tip: Hotel Schwanenburg in Kleve or Boetzelaer Castle in Kalkar.
