In 1992, the first and so far only museum in Germany dedicated
exclusively to Concrete Art opened in Ingolstadt. It began with the
art collection of one of the leading representatives of Concrete
Poetry and writer Eugen Gomringer (born 1925). It contains important
works by numerous well-known representatives of Concrete
Art such as Josef Albers, Max Bill and others. Over the last 30
years, the museum collection has been constantly expanded and,
besides, a focus on design has been added.
Just a few years after the opening of the museum in the former
barracks in Tränktorstraße, it became clear that the premises were
too small and unsuitable. Not only has the collection increased tenfold
and can therefore hardly be displayed, there is also a lack of
the right presentation options as well as a museum environment
that is a matter of course today. The city of Ingolstadt as the owner
of the museum therefore decided to find a new location for the
museum. After several attempts the foundry hall of the former Royal
Bavarian Gun Foundry and Bullet Factory was agreed upon in
2012. In the same year, an architectural competition was held for
this 100-metre long brick hall, from which the Viennese firm Querkraft
Architekten emerged as the winner. In autumn 2013, the Viennese
firm was commissioned with the planning. The start of construction
took place in summer 2016, and in 2025, after having
been confronted with manifold constructive challenges in the time
in between, the museum will finally move into the listed industrial
building.