SCHÜTZ COLLECTION PART ONE

SCHÜTZ COLLECTION PART ONE

Transcending time and space, the Schütz Art Museum has fostered an active transcontinental artistic dialogue since its opening in autumn 2021. Now, in the anniversary year marking its fifth year of existence, the museum sets further innovative accents of creativity, inspiration, and spirituality.

Based on an outstanding collection of Austrian Classical Modernism—comprising representative works by artists such as Klimt, Schiele, Kokoschka, Kubin, Carl Moll, Egger-Lienz, Eisenschitz, and others—the Schütz Art Museum actively promotes a discursive dialogue with contemporary art. Worthy of particular mention is the nearly unique Artists-in-Residence program in Europe, combined with humanitarian engagement on the African continent, as well as the fact that the building itself—both a landmark and a singular architectural statement—is the world’s first zero-energy museum, embodying a commitment to sustainability and a promise to the future.

“Art is the mediator of the ineffable.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)

Living for Art

“We want to make art tangible and experiential—sensual, stimulating, inspiring,” declare collectors Irene and Josef Schütz. More than 25 years ago, the couple took the bold step of following their passion, transforming their vocation into their profession. Leaving behind their previous careers, they devoted their lives entirely to art—driven by verve, empathy, and the highest standards of quality.

What began as a specialization in the “golden era” of Austrian art, Classical Modernism, evolved into a transcontinental dialogue transcending borders and eras—a dynamic arc between tradition and modernity. Just as Klimt and Schiele were once influenced by Japonism, with their signatures echoing Asian calligraphy and seal art, the artists of the Viennese fin de siècle in turn inspired generations of international artists up to the present day—a creative dialogue that remains palpable. In this collection, now presented to the public in this comprehensive form for the first time, it becomes clear how an equalizing momentum can emerge through openness and exchange.

“Out of the ivory tower and towards the people!” is the guiding principle of the collector couple. This ethos offers contemporary artists the freedom for creative development while granting audiences rare insights into artistic processes. Beyond the presentation of exceptional works of art, a place of dialogue and democratic exchange emerges. Visitors are invited to inhale living art, engage in conversation, explore both the core works of the collection and ever-new discursive perspectives—or simply to linger, reflect, and enjoy.