Despite being the biggest museum in Mecklenburg, the State Museum Schwerin (Staatliches Museum Schwerin), housed in stately elegance in a former palace, retains the ambiance of a more private institution.
As the former ducal art collection, the museum’s artworks are deeply informed by the preferences of its founder, Christian Ludwig II. Old Masters from the Dutch Renaissance abound, including pieces by Breughel and Rubens. The older art is supplemented by a contemporary gallery housed in a hyper-modern space. Walk up the stately steps of the neoclassical building and contemplate the art.
Admire the extensive collection of sculptures by Ernst Barlach, the German expressionist whose style has been called “modern Gothic” and who is a master of depicting draped cloth in stone.
Sit in front of the enormous painting of a rhinoceros by Jean-Baptiste Oudry, once the French court’s favorite painter.
Peer at the almost invisible brushstrokes of the Dutch Old Masters, whose works feature luminosity that seems almost surreal.
Walk through the elevated glass passageway into the contemporary gallery, which seeks to update the museum’s collection. Go to the top floor to admire the extensive collection of work by Günther Uecker, a contemporary artist from Mecklenberg best known for pioneering a technique using nails to create elaborate patterns.
Enjoy a few moments of distraction with views of the lake and castle visible from the gallery’s large windows.
End your visit on the bottom floor, where a selection of contemporary art is displayed alongside a large abstract work by Leipziger Jörg Herold.
The State Museum Schwerin is east of Schwerin’s Old Town near the castle, a 15-minute walk from Schwerin’s central train station. Drive here in 10 minutes from the train station or walk. Many of Schwerin’s streets are closed to vehicles and walking can be easier. Park in one of several metered lots nearby.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from mid morning to early evening. In winter, hours are somewhat shorter, though the museum is open later on Thursdays. There is a fee to enter the museum, with discounts for children and students.