#96 Art belongs to everyone | Reinhard Ernst (DE) | Collector, Museum Founder | Wiesbaden

#96 Art belongs to everyone | Reinhard Ernst (DE) | Collector, Museum Founder | Wiesbaden

From Voices On Art - The Van Horn Gallery Podcast | hosted by Daniela Steinfeld by Daniela Steinfeld

September 3, 2025 · 50 min · Season 6 · Episode 96

About this episode

Reinhard Ernst discusses his journey as an art collector and museum founder, emphasizing the accessibility of art and his philanthropic efforts.

'Die Kunst gehört allen' | ‘Art belongs to everyone’ In this episode, I talk to Reinhard Ernst – entrepreneur,philanthropist, art collector and founder of the Reinhard Ernst Museum in Wiesbaden. We follow his journey: from humble beginnings to building a successful business to the years-long project of planning and realising his own museum. This raises some interesting questions: How do you get into art if it wasn't part of your family environment? When does buying individual works turn into a real passion for collecting? And why would you ultimately make your private collection available to the public in your own museum? Reinhard Ernst speaks very openly about his attitude towards art, society and his role as a benefactor. His guiding principle, ‘You are not alone in the world,’ runs through everything he does. Together with his wife Sonja, he has established a foundation that supports childrenand the elderly, preserves historical monuments, and promotes art and culture. For both of them, this is not just a financial commitment, but a conviction to strengthen the values they personally hold dear. His great passion is abstract art – from the post-war period to the present day…

People in this episode

Host: Daniela Steinfeld

Guest: Reinhard Ernst

Topics covered

  • art collecting
  • philanthropy
  • abstract art
  • museum founding
  • cultural values

Keywords

  • art
  • collecting
  • museum
  • philanthropy
  • abstract art
  • Reinhard Ernst
  • Helen Frankenthaler
  • cultural values

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Reinhard Ernst Museum

Books & works: Helen Frankenthaler

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