This “Royal Branch Art Gallery” was established on the initiative of Friedrich-Alexander University and was intended primarily to further students’ education in art history. But the “Kleine Pinakothek” was also extremely popular among the general public. Christian Kazner, who later became chairman of the Art Association, recalled veritable “mass migrations of people who flocked there Sunday after Sunday. People were drawn to the novelty of it all; they were proud that Erlangen had its own art gallery.”
Second-best choice?
University officials were less enthusiastic: Curator Ludwig Curtius lamented that the works received from Munich were primarily second-rate, and that some valuable pieces by Rubens and Cranach were soon reclaimed: “I have no desire to waste my time merely packing up good paintings and unpacking bad ones.” In 1934, all the paintings were sent to Munich for cleaning and examination. This effectively meant the dissolution of the Erlangen Gallery, as the university showed little interest in continuing it.
Photo: View of the art gallery in the Orangery around 1906. A postcard from the collection of the Erlangen Local History Association (Heimat- und Geschichtsverein Erlangen e. V.) (Photo: City Museum)
More About the City's History
Historically interested & commemoration
Erlangen has a long history, with both positive and negative events.
Short Stories from the City
Erlangen has a long and interesting history. There's a lot to tell. A look back.
Historically interested & commemoration
Erlangen has a long history, with both positive and negative events.
Short Stories from the City
Erlangen has a long and interesting history. There's a lot to tell. A look back.