New museum director in Soest: Michael Stockhausen takes over!

New museum director in Soest: Michael Stockhausen takes over!

On May 9, 2025, it was announced that Michael Stockhausen will be the new head of the city of Soester museums from July 1, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Annette Werntze, who has been working in this position since 2012 and is now retiring. Stockhausen is currently a curator at the Kunsthalle Wilhelmshaven and has extensive knowledge of the Soester cultural landscape. Particularly noteworthy should be emphasized in the exhibition "Resurrection! 1945 ”, which took place in the Wilhelm Morgner Museum in 2024.

Before his appointment, Stockhausen visited the Wilhelm Morgner Museum for a first to get to know the team of the city museums, which includes the Burghofmuseum, the Osthofstormuseum and the Wilhelm Morgner Museum. At this meeting he was from Peter Wapelhorst, the first deputy and cultural director, Dr. Norbert Wex, the Cultural Head of Department, and Dr. Annette Werntze, the museum director, welcomed.

important contribution to art history soests

The exhibition "Departure! Soest - City of Art after 1945" illuminates the development of the art city of Soest after the Second World War. This was also shaped by personal efforts and commitment to the artists who were active in the city. Among other things, artists such as Uecker, Schumacher and Kaiser were represented who enriched the local and international art landscape.

The history of the city is closely linked to the end of the Second World War: In April 1945, Soest was destroyed 64 % by over 30 bombing. The reconstruction of the houses and municipal buildings began in the following years, and there was a strong desire for art and culture. This led to the creation of lives and work locations for artists in the region.