Villa Hügel is located in the middle of 28 hectares of parkland with a view over Lake Baldeney. Designed in 1868 by the industrialist Alfred Krupp and completed in 1873, it served as the residence of the Krupp family of entrepreneurs until 1945.
After World War II, the Villa Hügel ceased to serve as a family residence. Despite this change, it retained its role as a pivotal symbol for the company Fried. Krupp during the 1950s and 1960s. Today, it is under the stewardship of the non-profit Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation.
Villa Hügel epitomises Germany's industrialisation and welcomes the public to explore its historical grandeur. Within the "Great House," visitors can admire a range of exquisite rooms that showcase surviving elements of the original opulence, including rare tapestries, portraits of the Krupp family and German Emperors, as well as period furniture and relics from various eras.
The "Small House," the Villa’s western annexe, hosts the revitalised "Krupp Historical Exhibition" since 2007. Spanning two floors, it introduces guests to several themes: the legacy of the Krupp family, the villa and its park, the company's evolution over 200 years, and the initiatives of the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation.
Also situated within the Small House is the Krupp Historical Archive. Established in 1905, the archive meticulously preserves and codifies sources chronicling the Krupp history since the 18th century.
Art Exhibitions at Villa Hügel
Since 1953, the "Great House" has been a venue for prestigious art and cultural history exhibitions. Berthold Beitz, serving as General Representative to Alfried Krupp until his death in 1967, and then as Chairman of the Krupp Foundation, founded the Ruhr Cultural Foundation in 1984. This foundation now organises the exhibitions within Villa Hügel.
Current Opening Hours
For the latest visiting times, please refer to Villa Hügel's official website. Find more information here.
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