Since it was founded in 1919 the Possehl Foundation has provided funding to maintain the architectural diversity of Lübeck’s Old Town, sponsored non-profit organisations, young people, arts and sciences, and supported people experiencing social hardship. In 2003 the Possehl Foundation created a new space for modern art in Lübeck when it funded the construction of a new annexe at Kunsthalle St. Annen, boosting the city’s reputation as a vibrant location for international contemporary art. The foundation is also the shareholder of the European Hansemuseum Lübeck and KOLK17 Puppet Theatre & Museum. With Possehl Prizes for Music, Art, Engineering and Architecture, the Foundation rewards outstanding performances every year. The Foundation is the sole shareholder of Germany’s largest Mittelstand investment holding company, L. Possehl & Co. GmbH, whose portfolio companies have operations worldwide.
Kunsthalle St. Annen is a member of the Lübecker Museen group and an important location for modern and contemporary art in north Germany and the Baltic region. With its important collection of European post-war art, the Kunsthalle sees itself as a place for spirited dialogue and promotes an open society that includes perspectives that go beyond eurocentric narratives.
