Groundbreaking ceremony for the new art museum in Plushow: a dream comes true!

Groundbreaking ceremony for the new art museum in Plushow: a dream comes true!

On October 25, 2025, the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ehrhardt Museum took place in Plushow, a charming district of the municipality of Upahl in the Northwest Mecklenburg district. This multifunctional building will cover an area of ​​1,400 square meters and is an exciting project that focuses on the works of BAUHAUS student Alfred Ehrhardt (1901-1984). In addition, temporary exhibitions by other artists are planned to enrich the cultural offering.

The museum will not only house exhibition rooms, but also a museum café, an auditorium and a roof garden. In addition, a garden will be created that is based on the baroque garden of Plushow Castle. The region is known for its art and culture scene, with the Mecklenburg Artists' House Schloss Plushow playing a central role. Matthias Kanter's gallery has also enriched the castle ensemble and attracts numerous art-interested visitors.

Design vision by Diébédo Francis Kéré

The plans for the museum came from the renowned architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, who is known for his sustainable construction methods. The architect, who comes from Burkina Faso, uses materials such as clay, wood and glass to make the resulting designs not only aesthetic but also environmentally friendly. His approach combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative construction techniques, making him one of the most sought-after architects today. Kéré was recently awarded the 2023 Praemium Imperiale for Architecture, a significant honor recognizing his international contributions to architecture. This award is presented annually by the Japan Art Association and includes a fee of 15 million yen (around £90,000).

Honoring Kéré is not only a personal milestone, but also a sign of the growing recognition of African architects on a global level. He has already made a name for himself with projects in West Africa and is known for his ability to integrate local materials and techniques into modern designs. From the Gando Primary School to the Serpentine Pavilion in London, tradition and modernity meet in a particularly successful way in his works.

Economic impulses for the region

The Ehrhardt Museum will not only be a cultural attraction, but will also have a positive impact on the local economy. At least 10,000 visitors are already expected every year, which could translate into mid-six-figure income. This development will boost hotel bookings and restaurant visits in the region, which is of great importance for surrounding businesses. The Nordwestmecklenburg mbH economic development company, which has been supporting economic development in the district since 1991, is already involved in the planning.

With the museum scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, Pelzow impressively shows how art and architecture come together to promote not only the cultural heritage but also the economic vitality of the region. The anticipation for the Ehrhardt Museum is growing, and it remains to be seen how this fascinating project will enrich the cultural landscape of northwest Mecklenburg.