Ernst Barlach. Facets of Love at the Edwin Scharff Museum Neu-Ulm
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Rediscovering Ernst Barlach: The Quiet and Intense Facets of Love in Neu-Ulm
The Edwin Scharff Museum dedicates an exhibition to Ernst Barlach, showcasing the artist beyond familiar interpretations. From 23.05.2026 to 04.10.2026, visitors encounter sculptures, drawings, and graphic works where love is manifested as a romantic, maternal, divine, and also conflictual experience. The exhibition is a historically clever invitation to a concentrated contemplation of work and an aesthetic experience with great emotional depth. ([swr.de](https://www.swr.de/kultur/kunst/ernst-barlach-facetten-der-liebe-ausstellung-edwin-scharff-museum-neu-ulm-100.html))
Barlach Between Empathy, Modernity, and Human Tension
Ernst Barlach is considered one of the defining sculptors and draughtsmen of German modernism. His art revolves around compassion, dignity, need, and care; his figures often appear silent, composed, and imbued with inner tension. The German Historical Museum and the Ernst Barlach Foundation locate his work in the context of Expressionism, social empathy, and the experience of war and persecution. It is precisely for this reason that the Neu-Ulm presentation offers an unusual perspective on an artist whose imagery is deeply rooted in the human image of the 20th century. ([dhm.de](https://www.dhm.de/lemo/biografie/ernst-barlach?utm_source=openai))
Love as a Theme: From Intimacy to Demand
The exhibition follows Barlach's motif of love through three decades of his work. Themes such as charity, maternal love, and the spiritual dimension of love are showcased, as well as the darker, socially vulnerable side. The SWR describes works such as The Matchmaker II, Kiss Group III, Love Couple, Good Samaritan, and The Strong Carrying the Weak. Thus, a dynamic panorama emerges between tenderness, protection, desire, and moral responsibility. ([swr.de](https://www.swr.de/kultur/kunst/ernst-barlach-facetten-der-liebe-ausstellung-edwin-scharff-museum-neu-ulm-100.html))
A Museum that Connects Art and Education
The Edwin Scharff Museum is both an art museum and a children's museum. It is centrally located at Petrusplatz in Neu-Ulm, is accessible without barriers, and offers a well-structured framework for visits with an elevator, relaxation areas, a museum café, and a museum shop. The museum explicitly sees itself as a place of cultural education; guided tours and educational offerings regularly accompany the special exhibitions. This transforms the exhibition visit into a sensually and intellectually engaging art experience. ([bildhauermuseen.de](https://www.bildhauermuseen.de/edwin-scharff-museum/))
For Whom the Visit is Especially Worthwhile
Those who know Ernst Barlach as a master of sculpture will discover new aspects of his work here. Those interested in art history, museum education, and the imagery of classical modernism will find an exhibition of high content density. The juxtaposition of plastic and graphic works makes visible how precisely Barlach shapes human closeness, vulnerability, and dignity. It is this clarity that characterizes the special exhibition atmosphere in the Edwin Scharff Museum. ([bildhauermuseen.de](https://www.bildhauermuseen.de/edwin-scharff-museum/))
Conclusion: Ernst Barlach. Facets of Love is an exhibition for all who wish to not only see art but experience it in the space, in the light, and in the quiet presence of the works. It convincingly combines knowledge, emotion, and art historical depth. Anyone passionate about modernity should definitely experience this exhibition live in Neu-Ulm. ([bildhauermuseen.de](https://www.bildhauermuseen.de/edwin-scharff-museum/))
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