Kasper König, an influential figure in contemporary art, known for his work as a curator, museum director, and educator, passed away at the age of 80 in Berlin. His death was confirmed by Skulptur Projekte Münster, the internationally renowned sculpture exhibition he co-founded.
König’s career, which spanned over five decades, left an indelible mark on the art world. He was born in Mettingen, Germany, in 1943 and began his career in the 1960s as an intern at Galerie Rudolf Zwirner in Cologne. Here, he met pivotal artists such as Joseph Beuys, Sigmar Polke, and Gerhard Richter, connections that would shape his career.
In 1965, König moved to New York, where he became deeply involved in the burgeoning contemporary art scene. He forged relationships with artists like Andy Warhol, Carl Andre, and Sol LeWitt, curating his first exhibition—a Claes Oldenburg show in Stockholm—at just 23. He also founded an art publishing company with his brother, Walther König, which remains influential today.
König’s most enduring legacy may be the Skulptur Projekte Münster, established in 1977 with Klaus Bussmann. This decennial event has become a cornerstone of Münster’s cultural identity, inviting artists to create site-specific sculptures throughout the city. The exhibition has attracted international acclaim and solidified König’s reputation as a visionary curator.
From 1987 to 2012, König held significant roles at leading art institutions in Germany. He founded Portikus in Frankfurt, a space dedicated to contemporary art, and served as rector of Städelschule, where he influenced a generation of artists and curators. As the director of Museum Ludwig in Cologne from 2000 to 2012, König elevated the institution to international prominence, navigating a critical period when Cologne was losing its status as Germany’s art capital to Berlin.
König’s curatorial work was characterized by his eclectic tastes and his deep commitment to supporting artists. His exhibitions often defied convention, allowing artists to experiment and take risks. Notable projects included “Westkunst,” a landmark exhibition in Cologne in 1981, and the controversial Manifesta 10 in St. Petersburg in 2014.
König’s influence extended beyond Germany. In 2003, he curated the Austrian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and in 2009, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
In addition to his professional achievements, König was known for his personal connections with artists and his unique approach to collecting art. He often acquired pieces spontaneously or as gifts, many of which he later donated to institutions like the Museum Ludwig.
König was married four times and is survived by his wife, Heidi Specker, a Berlin-based artist, his brother Walther König, and his children, Leo and Johann, both art dealers, as well as daughters Lili König and Coco Weber. His third wife, Barbara Weiss, passed away in 2016.
König’s death marks the end of an era in contemporary art, but his legacy lives on through the institutions he shaped, the exhibitions he curated, and the artists he championed. His work will continue to inspire future generations in the art world.
