Rolf Glasmeier (1945–2003) was an artist, graphic designer and exhibition curator who left an important mark on the art scene of the Ruhr region from the 1960s onwards. After training at the Ulm School of Design, he developed an internationally acclaimed style, which combined geometric abstraction, serial structures and audience participation. His interactive sculptures are intended to be touched and their configurations altered. Whilst Glasmeier initially used materials sourced from the industrial and mining landscape of the Ruhr region, this changed over the course of the 1970s. He chose instead to adopt new materials, turning his attention to themes, such as mass consumption and recycling. His entire oeuvre was shaped by humanistic thought and the conviction that art could be a space in which society might be interrogated and changed. The retrospective exhibition at Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen comprehensively honours Glasmeier’s entire multimedia oeuvre showing more than 140 works – ranging from sculpture, photography and graphic art to actions within the public realm.
Programm of events
Programm of events:
Advance regristration is required for both events
by mail: kunstmuseum@gelsenkirchen.de or by telephone: 02091694377
Both events are held in German.
20.11.2025, 7pm
Horster Straße 13, 45897 Gelsenkirchen
350 Feste für die Kunst!
Rolf Glasmeier organised 350 exhibitions of work by regional and international artists in his own studio. In a conversation to be held at his former studio, his son, Jan Glasmeier talks to Danuta Karsten, one of the artists who exhibited there at his behest, about Glasmeier's work as an exhibition organiser, networker and patron of the arts. Moderator: Julia Höner
07.02.2026, 3pm
House Glasmeier, Ravenbusch 9-11, 45888 Gelsenkirchen
Blick durchs Schlüsselloch
One could describe architect, Ernst Otto Glasmeier's home ar a house for art and full of art. What is it like to grow up in such a culturally rich family home? In a talk held at House Glasmeier, art and architecture historian, Alexander Apfelbaum, and Michael Glasmeier, art historian and poet, look back on a period when artist networks and art collections of European significance developed in the Ruhr region.
Public guided tours:
23.11., 07.12.,21.12.2025
11.01., 25.01., 22.02.2026
The tours are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
(only in German)
