This page contains links through which we may earn a small commission should you decide to book a tour from our partner.
I’m going to let you in on something: towards the end of the 19th century, a bunch of bold, creative minds decided it was time for a change. They weren’t too keen on sticking to old traditions or being boxed in by outdated academic rules. Instead, they did what any rebellious artist would do—they broke away and started their own thing. Enter the Secessions: these were fresh, daring movements that shook up the art world with a brand-new style of exhibition. Their mission? To carve out a space for individual artistic freedom while connecting with the international art scene.
Now, here’s the cool part: three of the most important Secessions in the German-speaking world popped up right around the same time. First came Munich in 1892, then Vienna in 1897, and finally Berlin in 1899. And each of these cities had its own rock star artist at the helm—Franz von Stuck, Gustav Klimt, and Max Liebermann. Even today, these names are practically synonymous with the Secession movements in their respective cities.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this was some one-style-fits-all deal. The Secessions were all about variety. They welcomed a wild mix of artistic positions and styles, from Impressionism to Symbolism, making room for everyone who had something unique to say. This exhibition—Secessions: Klimt, Stuck, Liebermann—brings together around 140 works by about 80 different artists. It’s a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and graphics from Munich, Vienna, and Berlin’s most influential artists.
Here’s something even cooler: the Secession exhibitions were the first place a lot of progressive artists got to showcase their trailblazing work. We’re talking big names like Ferdinand Hodler, Edvard Munch, Auguste Rodin, and Jan Toorop. These exhibitions were a breeding ground for all kinds of avant-garde styles. Thanks to the Secessions, movements like Impressionism and Symbolism were able to make their mark in the German-speaking world.
So, what’s the big takeaway? By pulling together these three Secession movements, you start to see how they shared some big ambitions that went beyond just local quirks. They weren’t just about making art—they were about transforming the whole art world. The Secessions paved the way for a new generation of modern artists, creating a legacy that still resonates today.