Sammlung Prinzhorn, Art museum at University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
The Prinzhorn Collection is a museum at Heidelberg University Hospital that houses over 20,000 artworks created between 1880 and 1920. These pieces come from patients in psychiatric institutions across German-speaking regions and include drawings, paintings, sculptures, and texts.
The collection was founded in 1919 by psychiatrist Karl Wilmanns and art historian Hans Prinzhorn based on a vision to honor artistic work made by patients. The museum opened to the public only in 2001, after the collection remained primarily for scientific study rather than public access for many decades.
The collection displays works made by people from different social backgrounds who expressed their own stories and thoughts through drawings, paintings, and objects. Visitors can see how artistic skill and personal expression develop regardless of formal training.
The museum is located within the university hospital and is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Wednesdays. Visitors should note that the collection is organized thematically, so it helps to take time with each section to fully appreciate the works.
The collection includes fascinating personal objects like Agnes Richter's decorated jacket, which she embroidered by hand to express her thoughts and feelings. Such everyday items become deep artistic statements here, showing how creative people can be without any formal art training.
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