Kunsthalle Emden Partners with Volkswagen Group to Deliver Innovative Tide-Based Cultural Access Initiative

Keyvisual ‘Volkswagen Group Art4All Tide Tied’
Image No: B2026CW00157 Copyright: Volkswagen AG Rights: Photocredit: „Photo: Kunsthalle Emden, Erhard Bühler“

(IN BRIEF) Volkswagen Group is supporting the Kunsthalle Emden with a special cultural initiative called “Art4All – Tide Tied,” offering free admission and extended opening hours during high tide periods from May to October 2026. The program aligns museum access with the natural rhythm of the North Sea, creating a unique visitor experience while making art more accessible to the public, including Volkswagen employees and their families. The initiative coincides with the museum’s 40th anniversary and features exhibitions such as “Pictures We Love,” showcasing key works of 20th-century art. The partnership highlights Volkswagen’s broader commitment to cultural engagement and its long-standing connection to the city of Emden, where it operates a major production facility. By supporting accessible cultural programs, the company continues to promote community participation and appreciation for the arts.

(PRESS RELEASE) Wolfsburg, 24-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Volkswagen Group is supporting the Kunsthalle Emden through a special cultural initiative titled “Volkswagen Group Art4All – Tide Tied,” offering extended opening hours and free admission during selected periods from May 10 to October 23, 2026.

The program is designed to align museum access with the natural rhythm of the tides along Germany’s North Sea coast. On days when high tide occurs, the Kunsthalle will remain open for an additional hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., allowing visitors to explore exhibitions free of charge during that time. This initiative aims to provide greater accessibility to art for local residents, visitors, and employees of Volkswagen’s Emden plant, as well as their families.

The project is part of the broader Volkswagen Group Art4All initiative, which seeks to expand access to culture by enabling partner institutions to offer free or discounted entry, educational programs, and special events. The approach emphasizes inclusivity and encourages wider participation in the arts.

The “Tide Tied” concept draws inspiration from the coastal environment of Emden, where daily life has long been influenced by tidal patterns. By linking opening hours to these natural cycles, the Kunsthalle introduces a unique and location-specific cultural experience, blending environmental awareness with artistic engagement.

The initiative coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Kunsthalle Emden, an institution founded to make the art collection of Henri Nannen accessible to the public. Over the decades, the museum has developed into a prominent cultural venue in northern Germany, gaining recognition for its contributions to modern and contemporary art.

As part of its anniversary programming, the Kunsthalle is presenting the exhibition “Pictures We Love,” which explores key themes in 20th-century art through works by artists such as Franz Marc and August Macke. The exhibition offers visitors insight into major artistic movements and the evolution of modern art.

Volkswagen Group’s involvement also reflects its long-standing connection to the city of Emden, where it has operated a major production facility for over 60 years. The plant, employing more than 7,700 people, plays a significant role in the company’s global manufacturing network and serves as a key site for electric vehicle production, including models such as the ID.4 and ID.7.

Beyond financial support, Volkswagen continues to assist the Kunsthalle with mobility solutions, currently providing the museum team with an ID.BUZZ vehicle to support its operational needs.

Through initiatives like Art4All, Volkswagen Group aims to strengthen cultural engagement, foster community connections, and promote access to artistic experiences, reinforcing the role of culture in social development and regional identity.

The Kunsthalle Emden

The Kunsthalle Emden opened 40 years ago. It began with the idea of making Henri Nannen’s art collection accessible to the public. Driven by the passion and visionary commitment of Henri and Eske Nannen, the Kunsthalle Emden was founded and has since become one of the most important art museums in northern Germany, earning an international reputation. The new exhibition, “Pictures We Love”, showcases the museum’s collection and highlights significant themes in 20th-century art history through selected works including notable pieces by Franz Marc and August Macke. The exhibition offers visitors a multifaceted exploration of influential art movements since the modern era.

The Kunsthalle is open Tuesday through Sunday, as well as on holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will also be special opening hours for ‘Volkswagen Group Art4All – Tide Tied’ on days with high tide from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free admission (May 10 through October 23, 2026). For more information, visit www.kunsthalle-emden.de/volkswagengroupart4alltidetied.

The Volkswagen Group’s Cultural Engagement program supports initiatives that provide cultural education and opportunities for participation to a wide range of people. The Group works closely with international arts and culture institutions and stakeholders. Through these collaborations, the Volkswagen Group enables the general public to engage with a diverse array of creative ideas and works. The program paves the way for inspiring cultural projects around the world and supports organizations that contribute to diversity of our cultural landscape. By promoting culture and the arts, Volkswagen is taking responsibility for the future.

Media Contact:

Rita Werneyer M.A.
Corporate Communications
Spokesperson Cultural Communications
+49-1522-2859046
rita.werneyer@volkswagen.de | www.volkswagen-group.com

SOURCE: Volkswagen