Since its restoration in the 1990s, the neo-Gothic moated castle has been an important museum for modern and contemporary art. Among other things, the Museum Schloss Moyland Foundation has the world's largest collection of works by Joseph Beuys and is a research centre of international standing. The castle on the Lower Rhine is also surrounded by historic gardens.
It all began in 1951, when brothers Hans and Franz Joseph van der Grinten purchased two woodcuts for twenty marks each. But these were only the beginning of their collecting activities. Today, the Museum Schloss Moyland Foundation also owns almost 6,000 works by one of the most important German artists of the 20th century: Joseph Beuys. In changing exhibitions, the museum on the Lower Rhine presents early works on paper, sculptures and objects by the political provocateur and places them in the context of works by other artists from his circle.
The collection is supplemented by the Joseph Beuys Archive with archival material and photographs. As an affiliated institute of the Düsseldorf Art Academy, the Joseph Beuys Archive has established itself as an international research centre. Like the museum library, it is available to specialists and museum visitors for research purposes. In addition, training courses, academic conferences and seminars are held in the rooms of the palace complex, which was built at the beginning of the 14th century.
Baroque garden with 20th century art
Little remains of the castle's medieval origins. Instead, the complex today presents itself as a castle in the neo-Gothic style, as designed by the Cologne cathedral master builder Ernst Friedrich Zwirner on behalf of the von Steengracht family in the 19th century. Baroque elements such as the system of avenues and moats still form the basic structure of the magnificent gardens surrounding Moyland Castle. Visitors can enjoy more than 470 different hydrangea varieties and discover native and exotic plants from Asia, Africa and Australia in one of the largest herb gardens in the region.
In the historic gardens from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you will come across world-class art. Artists such as Eduardo Chillida, James Lee Byars and Gerhard Marcks are represented with works in the sculpture park. The gardens also host events such as the annual herb garden festival and the artisan Christmas market.
Picnic & Beuys at Schloss Moyland
As you stroll through the castle gardens, you will also come across sculptures by renowned artists who have left their mark here among the blooming hydrangeas and exotic plants.
The neo-Gothic moated castle of Moyland is nestled in the Lower Rhine landscape.
As you stroll through the palace gardens, you will also come across sculptures by renowned artists who have left their mark here among the blooming hydrangeas and exotic plants.
When the weather is fine, simply find a nice spot for a picnic in the park. Dine in style at Rocco's Museum Café or at the L'echalote restaurant in the Schloss Moyland country golf club. Seasonally created dishes with products from regional producers await you there.
A visit to the impressive castle museum, where you can learn almost everything about Joseph Beuys, is a must. Moyland has the world's largest collection of the artist's work, which is included in a changing programme of special exhibitions.
Excursion tip: From the viewing platform of the 32 metre-high North Tower spire, you can let your gaze wander far and wide over the Lower Rhine landscape. Even the climb itself is an experience.
Overnight tip: Boetzelaer Castle in Kalkar for upmarket accommodation. For a short family trip, the holiday home at the Wisseler See camping park.
