As one walks through Wiesbaden's magnificent boulevard, affectionately called the Rue, it's impossible to miss: Two large white cubes connected by a recessed glass front. While the Bethel White granite from the US reflects Wiesbaden's stone-rich architectural style, it starkly contrasts with the dark buildings of the Gründerzeit era across the street. Here, the Reinhard & Sonja Ernst Foundation is constructing a museum for an extensive collection of abstract art. Reinhard Ernst (78) has built two mechanical engineering companies in Limburg, Harmonic Drive AG and Ovalo GmbH, and discovered his passion for abstract art during many business trips. Over nearly 40 years, he amassed around 960 artworks. Since existing museums could only display selected "highlights" at best, the idea of ​​creating their own museum emerged.

An initial attempt in Limburg failed. A second attempt in Wiesbaden – where the couple has lived since the beginning of the millennium – succeeded. A clear majority of the city's population and city councilors voted to lease the corner property on Wilhelmstraße to the foundation for 99 years (with the possibility of extension). In return, the foundation not only builds the museum for approximately 60 million euros but also covers maintenance costs throughout the lease term.

For the construction, Ernst enlisted the Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki (95), a Pritzker Prize laureate (considered the highest honor for architects worldwide), who designed, among other things, the Four World Trade Center in New York. Maki's design fascinates with external and internal vistas to neighboring buildings, revealing details that were previously difficult to discern.

Inside, the brightness already impresses in the entrance area, which then permeates all rooms with varying intensity. These rooms – each one different – aim to highlight the art through their clarity and simplicity. The benefactor has much to offer in this regard. According to expert opinion, the works, primarily oil on canvas but also some sculptures, with an emphasis on Germany, France, the US, and Japan, are considered unparalleled worldwide. Ernst was fascinated by colors – evident in works by Helen Frankenthaler, one of Ernst's favorite artists.

Several large works are already in place, such as those by Claudia Walde (alias MadC) and Katharina Grosse. In total, about 60 will find a place in the permanent exhibition, partially or entirely replaced every two years with other works from Ernst's collection. Additionally, there will be two special exhibitions each year. The museum's opening is scheduled for this summer.