Prinzhorn Collection

Heidelberg

Copyright: Tobias Dittmer│IBA Heidelberg
DESTINATIONS germany heidelberg Do & See Prinzhorn Collection

Prinzhorn Collection

The Prinzhorn Collection is the custodian of a worldwide exceptional body of work done by patients in psychiatric hospitals at the dawn of the 20th century, collated by the art historian and physician of the Heidelberg Psychiatric University hospital, Hans Prinzhorn from 1919 to 1921. The Prinzhorn Collection comprises some 5000 works, the majority in pencil or crayons, together with paintings in oils and watercolours, fabric art, and wood sculptures. 435 patients/artists, including some 80 women, are represented in the collection. They were mostly committed to institutions in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and by and large diagnosed as "schizophrenic".

Do & See

Heidelberg is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. The harmonious ensemble of Castle, Old Town and river in the midst of mountains was an inspiration to the poets and artists of the Romantic period, and has lost none of its fascination today for millions of visitors from all over the world. The symbol of the city, Heidelberg Castle, lies some 70 meters or 230 feet above the Neckar on the hillside of Heidelberg’s local mountain, the Königstuhl (King’s Chair). The ruins of the Castle towering above the town are among the most impressive sights that a trip through Germany can offer the marveling traveller. The city of the oldest university in Germany (founded in 1386, and since 2007 officially a University of Excellence) looks back on more than 800 years of history: from the former residence city of Germany’s Prince Electors up to today’s modern and future-oriented center of knowledge and economic growth.