The medieval Hengebach Castle has been home to the Heimbach International Art Academy since 2009
Tourismus NRW e.V., The medieval Hengebach Castle has been home to the Heimbach International Art Academy since 2009

Kunstakademie Heimbach

Heimbach

The Heimbach International Academy of Art is a recognized educational and training institution for artistic creation in the visual arts in the Rhineland. Its aim is to awaken and promote the creativity of people of all generations, nationalities and professions. Under academic direction, 49 lecturers from 15 nations with excellent teaching skills teach the relevant skills and techniques in the individual art genres (painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, video, performance). The lecturers teach their respective artistic subject using specific materials, composition methods and work processes. They accompany the students from the idea of a work to its completion, help them to discover personal and artistic expression skills and support the development of an individual formal language.

In addition to practical instruction, art theory and art history are also taught. The studios are located in the thousand-year-old Hengebach Castle, high above Heimbach and at the foot of the castle in the "Haus zum Burghof". The art academy is completely barrier-free, as panoramic elevators connect all levels. The studios are generously equipped, modern and bright. The unique view over Heimbach and the beautiful landscape offers many opportunities for inspiration. The appropriate equipment is available for all techniques (e.g. welding, burning, printing, analog photography, video editing, etc.).

Age-appropriate courses, structured according to ability, are suitable for advanced study: Professionals, ambitious amateurs, pupils*, in preparation for studies at state art academies or working people who want a creative boost - everyone is welcome, whether with or without experience in art. Thousands of students have already attended courses, workshops or seminars at the art academy. Regular exhibitions of works by lecturers and students, art exhibitions, special events (film premieres, readings, concerts, cabaret, academy festival, kick-off day, International Museum Day, etc.) and guided tours are just some of the many things on offer at the Heimbach International Art Academy.

Make yourself a culture pack!

Art days in the Eifel for everyone

  • After a tour of the pretty Eifel town and the idyllic Rur valley, you will arrive at what is probably the most beautifully situated art academy in Germany.
  • With just over 1,000 inhabitants, Heimbach is the smallest town in Germany. It is located in the centre of the Eifel National Park.
  • After a tour through the pretty Eifel town and the idyllic Rur valley, you will arrive at what is probably the most beautifully situated art academy in Germany.
  • In the exhibition rooms of the medieval Hengsbach Castle high above the town of Heimbach, works by course participants and lecturers are presented in regular rotation.
  • Of course, you can also give free rein to your own creativity. The programme of the Heimbach International Art Academy includes courses in painting, sculpture, printmaking and new media (registration required).
  • You can find inspiration on a walk along the 1.6-kilometre "Art in the Bush" circular trail with works of art along the way or on a hike in the beautiful natural idyll of the Eifel National Park.
  • Excursion tip: Experience the power of water on a visit to the Art Nouveau hydroelectric power station in Heimbach. The historic plant is still in operation today. Once a year, it hosts the internationally renowned "Spannungen" classical music festival under the direction of pianist Lars Vogt.
  • Gastronomic tip: If you are looking for a snack or a cosy place for a coffee break, you have the choice right next to the International Academy of Art: Winterhoff's Burgcafé and Café Heimisch are highly recommended.
  • Overnight tip: The Seehof or Klassik Art-Hotel in Heimbach.

Important information about accessibility: certificates

  • All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with walking disabilities".   

    Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report. 

    • There is a marked public parking lot for people with disabilities (parking space size: 275 cm x 390 cm).
    • The path from the parking lot to the building entrance via the castle courtyard is 45 m long. It is easy to walk and drive on and has a maximum longitudinal gradient of 12% over a distance of 5m.
    • The Haus zum Burghof and the Burghof are accessible without steps.
    • In the Haus zum Burghof, the exhibition is accessible without steps via a ramp and elevator 1.
    • The ramp in exhibition room A5 on the ground floor has a maximum slope of 21% and a total length of 157 cm. 
    • The elevator car of elevator 1 is 108 cm x 155 cm.  
    • The weir walkway from elevator 1 to elevator 3 is not easy to walk and drive on and has a maximum longitudinal gradient of 18% over a distance of 4 meters.
    • The elevator cars of elevator 2 (weir corridor to inner courtyard main castle), elevator 3 (inner courtyard main castle to studio building) and elevator 4 (in the studio building) are 110 cm x 140 cm.  
    • The studios in the studio building (Hauptburg) are accessible without steps via elevator 4. 
    • All doors/passages that can be used and evaluated by guests are at least 90 cm wide.
    • Exhibits and exhibit information are predominantly visible and legible while seated. 
    • Seating is available.
    • There are no guided tours for people with disabilities.

    Toilet for people with disabilities in the Haus zum Burghof (ground floor)

    • The manoeuvring spaces are:
      in front of the washbasin and in front of the toilet at least 150 cm x 150 cm;
      to the left and right of the toilet at least 90 cm x 72 cm.
    • Grab rails are provided to the left and right of the toilet.
    • Both grab rails are flipped-up. 
    • The washbasin is wheelchair compatible.
    • The mirror is visible in sitting and standing position.
    • There is a cord as an alarm trigger.

    Toilet for people with disabilities in the inner courtyard (main castle)

    • The manoeuvring spaces are:
      in front of the toilet 132 cm x 170 cm;
      to the left and right of the toilet 83 cm x 70 cm.
    • There are grab rails to the left and right of the toilet.
    • Both grab rails are flipped-up. 
    • There is no washbasin.
    • There is a cord as an alarm trigger.

    Toilet for people with disabilities in the studio building (main castle)

    • The manoeuvring spaces are:
      in front of the washbasin and in front of the toilet at least 150 cm x 150 cm;
      to the left and right of the toilet at least 90 cm x 70 cm.
    • Grab rails are provided to the left and right of the toilet.
    • Both grab rails are flipped-up. 
    • The washbasin is wheelchair compatible.
    • The mirror is visible in sitting and standing position.
    • There is a cord as an alarm trigger.
    Detailed information for people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users

  •  Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.  

    • There is no visually clearly perceptible alarm.
    • There is no audio induction loop system. 
    • An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed acoustically.  
    • Information about the exhibits is provided in writing only. 
    • There are no guided tours for people with disabilities.
    Detailed information for people with hearing impairments and hearing loss

  •   Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.    

    • Assistance dogs may be brought into all relevant areas/rooms.
    • Outdoor walkways usually do not have visually contrasting and tactilely detectable walkway boundaries. In some cases, they are not easy to walk on. 
    • The entrance is visually contrasting.
    • Almost all evaluated areas that can be used by guests are well illuminated, i.e., bright and glare-free.
    • Signage is designed in legible, high-contrast lettering.
    • Exhibits are generally well illuminated.  
    • Exhibit information is provided in writing only and is visually contrasting. 
    • Information is not available in Braille or prismatic writing.
    • There are no guided tours for people with disabilities.
    Detailed information for people with visual impairments and the blind

  •   Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.    

    • The name or logo of the art academy is clearly recognizable from the outside.
    • The destinations of the paths are mostly within sight or there are path signs. 
    • Information about the exhibits is provided in writing only, but not in plain language. 
    • No guided tours are offered for people with cognitive impairments.
    Detailed information for people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users

Important information at a glance

  • Open today
    Monday10:00 - 16:00
    Tuesday10:00 - 16:00
    Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
    Thursday10:00 - 16:00
    Friday10:00 - 16:00
    Saturday14:00 - 17:00
    Sunday14:00 - 17:00

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