Schleswig

Last year I travelled to the Schleswig-Holstein State Museum in the small town of Schleswig and was amazed by the collection of artworks contained in the old castle. I was very excited to go back again this year and was not disappointed. I really think this is one of the best art collections I have seen in Europe. Unfortunately, half of the modern art collection was closed, but it still occupied a whole day wandering around the Schloss and associated buildings. Here are some photos of some of my favourite art works from the collection.

The first stop was the Art Nouveau collection - rooms with furniture and paintings all from the same period and style.

Next was the Modern Art Collection, with a particularly good collection of German Expressionist painters.

They also have an excellent collection of sculptures by Ernst Barlach, who I have decided is one of my favourite artists... (the first 3 photos are of Barlach sculptures, the 4th is by Kathe Koellwitz)

In the old indoor riding area, there was an exhibition of works by Johannes Gruetzke.

The more traditional art collection is historically displayed in the old castle itself. It includes a lot of religious art and an excellent collection of Cranach paintings.

The highlight of the round tour of the castle is the Schlosskappelle (the castle chapel). It is still undergoing reconstruction, but I was able to see much more of it this time (last year it was completely covered in scaffolding!)