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Malkasten (English: "Paintbox") is a progressive German artists' association, founded in Düsseldorf in 1848, during the March Revolution. Since 1867, their headquarters have been in the Pempelfort district.
In 1856, a group of members associated with Leutze and Hermann Becker, called for a "first gathering" of German visual artists in Bingen am Rhein. The meeting, held that September, brought together over 160 artists from twenty-one cities, and led to the establishment of the (General German Art Cooperative); the first national organization of artists in Germany."Die erste Versammlung deutscher bildender Künstler", In: Friedrich Wilhelm Hackländer: Erlebtes, Vol.2, 1856 ( Online) @ Project Gutenberg
As the association grew, it became impractical to hold meetings and events in rented venues, which were often too small or too expensive.Wilhelm Camphausen: Zum letzten Feste des „Malkasten“ im alten Vereinslokale, Ratingerstraße Nr. 3, 1865, ( Online) @ ULB Düsseldorf. From 1857, efforts were made to acquire land on which to build a permanent meeting hall and administrative offices. They eventually focused their attention on a parcel near Schloss Jägerhof, which was the former residence of the philosopher, Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi. The City of Düsseldorf wanted to keep it from falling into the hands of speculators so, in 1861, they approved Malkasten's request to incorporate and acquire the property.
In September 1877, Emperor Wilhelm I was the guest of honor for the presentation of several tableaux vivants; one of which depicted General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, crossing the Rhine near Kaub, with Prussian and Russian forces, thereby initiating the campaign in north-east France (1814). The script for the event and the staging were produced by Karl Hoff, with music composed by . This was followed by a banquet. The event made such an impression on the public officials of Düsseldorf that a mural of it was painted in the meeting room of the new in 1894. In the early 1880s, the Rittmeister, , and his wife, , became acquainted with the magistrate, Emil Hartwich, at a Malkasten event. The subsequent love affair between Elisabeth and Emil led to a duel in which he was killed. This incident served as inspiration for the classic novel, Effi Briest, by Theodor Fontane.
For the in 1925, the members of Malkasten staged historical-themed parades, with hundreds of costumed participants. Three years later, they presented one of the last festivals honoring the artist, Albrecht Dürer. Throughout the 1920s, they presented lectures by notable writers, including Thomas Mann.Joachim Lilia: "Thomas Manns letzter Besuch im Rheinland",' In: Rheinische Post, 1994, ( Online) @ Portal Rheinische Geschichte
Many Malkasten artists were persecuted during the Gleichschaltung (Nazification) of Germany, but the officials of the organization itself came to terms with the situation. Together with the Militant League for German Culture, they celebrated the "Nationale Erhebung" (National Uprising) and planted a "" dedicated to "Our Savior in Dire Straits"
The membership structure itself remained unchanged until 1939, following the outbreak of World War II. Up to then, the number of members was steady at around 400. Although some sacrifices had to be made, the strong sense of community enabled them to survive the Great Depression and the Nazi regime. After 1945, their heavily damaged buildings were rebuilt, according to plans created by the architects Helmut Hentrich and . Hentrich served as the first Chairman of the revived organization, from 1945 to 1955. 1848–1998. Hundertfünfzig Jahre Künstlerverein Malkasten, Düsseldorf 1998, pg.153 ff. ( OnlineSabine Schroyen (Ed.): "Quellen zur Geschichte des Künstlervereins Malkasten. Ein Zentrum bürgerlicher Kunst und Kultur in Düsseldorf seit 1848" In: LVR Archivheft #24, 1992, pg.56
In 1977, was the first woman to be accepted as a full member of Malkasten.
According to the minutes of the general meeting in April, 2019, the organization currently has 302 regular members (mostly artists); down from 403 in 2002, when the last official list was published, but up from 280 in 2018. In addition, there are approximately 170 "extraordinary" members (friends and sponsors), and five honorary members.
Malkasten has four organizational units: the Künstlerverein (artists' association), the affiliated Weinkellerei Malkasten GmbH (wine cellar), their bar, restaurant and catering operations, and the Stiftung Malkasten (Malkasten foundation). The catering service has been suspended since 2014. The foundation has been officially recognized as a non-profit organization since 2012. Its aim is to support the association in maintaining its historic buildings, as well as the park, and preserve its independence.
The association's board organizes ongoing exhibitions, artist talks, concerts, film screenings, lectures and other cultural events in the buildings and in the park. Access to the events is open to all interested parties, mostly free of charge or at a low price.
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