The Museum Atelier Otto Niemeyer-Holstein
combines the historically grown ensemble of the painter Otto Niemeyer-Holstein’s (1896–1984) house, studio, and garden, which dates back to 1933, with the newly opened gallery in 2001.
Located at the narrowest point of the island of Usedom, in open countryside, „Lüttenort“ is a refuge where art and nature directly meet. In our museum, you can experience the artist’s work in an environment where most of them were created.
The property, which in itself appears to be a work of art due to its distinct architecture, along with the design of the gardens and sculptures, serves as a reminder of Otto Niemeyer-Holstein, one of the most important painters of the second half of the 20th century.
In addition to the well-preserved original living and working space of the artist and the garden designed by him, the museum holds a significant collection of artworks by Otto Niemeyer-Holstein, which are displayed in changing exhibitions and tours.
Usedom as an island for artists
In the thirties of last century the artists Otto Manigk, Otto Niemeyer-Holstein, Karen Schacht and Herbert Wegehaupt, settled on the island Usedom and were referred to as the “Usedom art School” later on. Their works which mostly dealt with the landscape of the island were not connected by a special style but by their artistic fundamental attitude.
Decisive for the artists of this generation was the wish to show the elementary and essential points of the experienced reality in their pictures. Many artists, born around 1900 belong to a relatively unknown generation of artists. But this fact doesn’t reveal anything about the artistic excellence.
The reason for their prolonged disappearance is to be seen in the radical break of the development due to the National Socialism. In the nights of bombing during the Second World War big parts of their previous work got lost. Art development after the war didn’t offer many starting points for appreciation. For some their works were not realistic enough for others not abstract enough.
Usedom is an island for artists, originated under different conditions compared to the colonies which were founded in the late 19th century. The artists from Usedom built a community, became friends. They met much later than most other colonies of artists, but stand in tradition of them. Nearly 30 years the painters of Usedom have worked together, developed a unique style of painting which unfolds its magic even today, believing in nature and human dignity.
