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The Scharf Collection with Goya – Monet – Cézanne – Bonnard – Grosse

Berlin's Alte Nationalgalerie is hosting a
once-in-a-lifetime event. From Monet to Grosse. The Scharf Collection is
a celebration of four generations of passionate art collecting, bringing
together a stunning array of French art from the 19th and 20th centuries,
alongside cutting-edge contemporary works. For the first time, this remarkable
private collection will be presented in its entirety from 24 October 2025 to 1
March 2026, offering visitors a sweeping journey through European art history.



From Monet to Grosse. The Scharf Collection at a glance

The Scharf Collection has its roots in the legendary Otto Gerstenberg Collection, which showcased masterpieces from the dawn of modern art with Goya to the French avant-garde led by Courbet and Degas. Despite significant losses during World War II, much of this treasure trove was preserved by Gerstenberg's daughter, Margarethe Scharf, who passed it on to her sons. Today, the collection reflects decades of meticulous curation, featuring iconic works by Monet, Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse and Picasso, as well as contemporary pieces by Katharina Grosse, Daniel Richter and Sam Francis.


From Monet to Grosse. The Scharf Collection highlights

  • Diverse artistic styles: Experience two centuries of artistic evolution, from French Impressionism to contemporary abstraction.   
  • Famous names: Marvel at works by Monet, Degas, Picasso, Cézanne and Toulouse-Lautrec, including his entire graphic oeuvre capturing the vibrant Parisian nightlife.  
  • Contemporary contributions: Discover bold additions from artists like Katharina Grosse and Daniel Richter, exploring new dimensions of painting.  
  • Historical continuity: Get to know the extraordinary story of the Scharf family and their dedication to preserving and expanding this collection through wartime and beyond. 
  • Perfect venue: The exhibition takes place on Berlin's stunning Museumsinsel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover From Monet to Grosse. The Scharf Collection

Hosted in collaboration with Kunstpalast Düsseldorf, this special exhibition at the Alte Nationalgalerie invites you to discover the evolution of painting across centuries. From Goya's haunting realism to Grosse's boundary-pushing contemporary art, the Scharf Collection is an unparalleled visual feast.   The collection is a testament to resilience and passion. Otto Gerstenberg's early 20th-century collection laid the groundwork with an emphasis on French and modern art. His daughter, Margarethe, safeguarded much of it during World War II, and her descendants expanded the scope, embracing contemporary international art. Today, the Scharf family continues to innovate while honouring the legacy of their forebears, ensuring this precious archive remains a living dialogue between past and present.


Top tips for From Monet to Grosse. The Scharf Collection

  • The Alte Nationalgalerie is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available for most exhibition spaces.
  • Public transport is the easiest way to reach Museumsinsel. Take the underground line U6 to Friedrichstraße or S-Bahn lines S5, S7 or S75 to Hackescher Markt, both about a 10-minute walk away.
  • Enjoy coffee or lunch at the Bode Museum Café, offering a lovely view of the Spree River.
  • Make it a cultural day out by exploring neighbouring museums like the Pergamon Museum or the Bode Museum.

Additional information
Dates
October 2025
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