After nearly half a century of serving as a beloved cultural institution in Lübeck, Germany, the renowned Kunsthaus gallery on Königstraße will permanently close its doors at the end of December. Co-owners Frank-Thomas Gaulin, 82, and Klaus Oestmann, 88, announced their decision to retire and sell the historic old town building that has housed their extraordinary art collection since 1976.
The gallery's walls display an impressive array of works from renowned artists including Max Pechstein, Ernst Barlach, Horst Janssen, Käthe Kollwitz, Joan Miró, Edvard Munch, and Emil Nolde. The vast collection encompasses original graphics, etchings, lithographs, and sculptures spanning from classical modern art to contemporary pieces. Among the gallery's exclusive offerings are works by Nobel Prize-winning author Günter Grass and actor Armin Mueller-Stahl, whose artistic creations the Kunsthaus has represented exclusively.
Gaulin and Oestmann have formed an exceptional partnership over the decades, with Oestmann working more behind the scenes as the intellectual force and artist, while Gaulin serves as the gallery's public face. Gaulin has become a familiar figure in Lübeck's cultural scene, known not only as a passionate art connoisseur but also as an engaged SPD politician and frequent guest at cultural events. His close friendship with Günter Grass, whom he accompanied for many years, has made him a distinctive and friendly presence in the city.
The announcement of the closure prompted an overwhelming response from the gallery's international clientele. Gaulin recently sent a farewell email to friends and customers stating simply, "Everything has its time," explaining that at their ages, it was the right moment to enter professional retirement. The opportunity to sell the old town building presented itself as an ideal time to close this chapter of their lives. Customers from around the world have been calling and visiting, with one client from Singapore even planning to make a detour through Paris to Lübeck for a personal goodbye.
The gallery has been more than just a commercial space; it has served as a cultural refuge where time seems to stand still. Visitors who intend to browse for just a few minutes often find themselves staying for hours, captivated by both the art and Gaulin's storytelling. The creaking wooden floors and intimate atmosphere have created countless memorable encounters over the years. Gaulin takes pride in making art accessible to everyone, welcoming all questions without fear of being labeled as culturally unsophisticated. "We see ourselves as a kind of small educational institution," he explains.
Reflecting on his generation's journey, Gaulin expresses deep satisfaction with what they accomplished. Born during World War II and raised in post-war Germany, he describes how his generation learned to make the best of everything from the beginning. "We had nothing, so everything was open to us," he explains. "In the reconstruction of the country and the awakening of a youth hungry for life, we had the lightness of being and could achieve everything we dreamed of." He believes this freedom is no longer available to today's young people, who face much more pressure.
There will be no clearance sale at the Kunsthaus, as Gaulin dismisses calls from "vultures" looking for bargains. He emphasizes that those who know them understand they negotiate fair prices. Whatever remains unsold by the end of the year will go to friendly galleries and other art dealers for resale. The building has been purchased by a Lübeck couple who plans to renovate it in accordance with historical preservation standards and use it as a residential and commercial property. Gaulin expresses relief that the space won't become "just another barbershop," ensuring the building's dignified future while marking the end of an era in Lübeck's cultural landscape.
