Ernst Barlach. Facets of Love at the Edwin Scharff Museum: Experience Art and Emotion

Ernst Barlach: An Exhibition about Love, Closeness, and Human Depth

The special exhibition Ernst Barlach. Facets of Love unfolds a poetic as well as art-historically significant view of the work of one of the most important German sculptors, drawers, and authors of the 20th century at the Edwin Scharff Museum in Neu-Ulm. The exhibition runs from May 23 to October 4, 2026, and has been extended until October 18; it shows how Barlach condenses love as an existential force in plastic, graphic, and literature. ([edwinscharffmuseum.de](https://edwinscharffmuseum.de/exhibition/ernstbarlach/))

Love as a Motif between Sculpture and Writing

Barlach does not understand love as a narrow pair motif, but as a multi-layered human experience: longing, temptation, maternal love, altruism, loss, and intimate connection. The exhibition places selected works like the Couple and The Matchmaker II in a poetic context and makes visible how Barlach bundles emotional tension in clear, striking forms. ([edwinscharffmuseum.de](https://edwinscharffmuseum.de/exhibition/ernstbarlach/))

An Artistic Experience between Expressionism and Empathy

The juxtaposition with works by Edwin Scharff opens a subtle dialogue about the art of the first half of the 20th century. Thus, the viewing of the works becomes an aesthetic experience where plastic, graphic, and literary textures interlock. Barlach appears as a sensitive observer of humanity, whose art lives from the tension between inner life and formal condensation. ([edwinscharffmuseum.de](https://edwinscharffmuseum.de/exhibition/ernstbarlach/))

Education, Tours, and Workshops

The accompanying program deepens the exhibition with art-historical tours, literary guides, and a writing workshop on the art of writing. Particularly appealing is the literary access that connects Barlach's own texts with expressionist voices, thus opening the space between language and sculpture. Participation in tours is partly included in the museum admission; individual formats cost an additional 2.50 euros or 8 euros including material costs. ([edwinscharffmuseum.de](https://edwinscharffmuseum.de/exhibition/ernstbarlach/))

The Museum as a Place of Cultural Education

The Edwin Scharff Museum combines an art museum and a children's museum under one roof and is centrally located in the Neu-Ulm city center at Petrusplatz. Visitors can easily reach the building on foot from Neu-Ulm station; the website also lists barrier-free routes, elevators, and a free media guide at the ticket office. Admission is free on Wednesdays; regular admission costs 6 euros, reduced 5 euros. ([edwinscharffmuseum.de](https://edwinscharffmuseum.de/en/?utm_source=openai))

Conclusion

Those interested in sculpture, expressionism, and the subtle, existential themes of art will find an exhibition of great poetic power here. Ernst Barlach. Facets of Love invites to a concentrated, touching, and intelligent encounter with a work that brings closeness and humanity into impressive form. A visit is definitely worthwhile. ([edwinscharffmuseum.de](https://edwinscharffmuseum.de/exhibition/ernstbarlach/))

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Sources:

• Edwin Scharff Museum - Ernst Barlach. Facets of Love
• Edwin Scharff Museum - Visit, Opening Hours, and Admission Prices
• Edwin Scharff Museum - Imprint and Social Media Notice
• Edwin Scharff Museum - Press Area
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• Edwin Scharff Museum - Permanent Collection Edwin Scharff