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Marli Hoppe-Ritter is the granddaughter of the company founders of the Alfred Ritter chocolate factory in Waldenbuch. She grew up there as well. After studying law in Tübingen and Heidelberg, she was active as an attorney in Heidelberg. She has been a member of the Advisory Council of Ritter Sport since 1978.
In 1985, she began to support young artists and began acquiring modern art with her husband Hilmar Hoppe. The concept of the square became the focus of the collection as of 1994. The Museum Ritter was built in Waldenbuch in 2004-5. Here, the collection as well as rotating exhibitions will be shown to the public. The works of young artists will also be shown.
Interview with the Art Collector and Museum Patron Marli Hoppe-Ritter
Ms. Hoppe-Ritter, how long have you been collecting art and when did you start concentrating on the square as a thematic focus?
I bought the first work in October, 1993, at art cologne — a small postcard by Sol LeWitt from 1980. It’s a representation of the Pantheon in Rome, and LeWitt drew a square on the back. From that point on, I’ve systematically concerned myself with collecting art that deals with the square theme. I’ve always been interested in art and even bought works earlier with my husband. The impetus for the thematic concentration was the “From Two Squares” (1986) exhibition at the Wilhelm-Hack-Museum in Ludwigshafen. The title was a play on the two squares in a painting by Malevich.
Your collection extends to the present day. How do younger artists deal with the square?
Some artists work in the tradition of Concrete Art. My most recent purchase – a “Wurfstück” (“Stones Throw”) by Diet Sayler – is clearly part of this. The square has important value for many contemporary artists in various fields, which makes collecting contemporary art so exciting
Did you intend to establish a collection from the very beginning?
Yes, I made this decision in 1993. I was always very happy that there was a theme for the collection, because I was able to go into things in much more depth.
When did you come upon the idea to put your collection on public display?
In 2000, my collection was first shown at the Mannheim Art Society with the title “No Peace Until the Earth is Square”. The collection needed a permanent home after that. We quickly came up with the idea of building here in Waldenbuch. The proximity to the Ritter Company and the charming area in this valley played a decisive role. Last but not least, the museum is coupled with the Ritter Sport visitors center, which makes a visit to Waldenbuch even more attractive.
How would you describe your museum? Is it a foundation museum or a museum of the Ritter Sport Company?
It is my private museum, but it could never have come into existence without Ritter Sport. I established a foundation for the advancement of the arts, which is the responsible body of the museum, in 2004.
What is really noticeable about the new building is the emphasis on ecological design and energy efficiency. Why is this so important to you?
My brother Alfred Ritter and I have been very concerned with environmental questions for many years. We began very early with equipping the Ritter Company in an ecologically friendly way. We have also supported an initiative for ecological cocoa cultivation in Nicaragua since 1990. It was a matter of course that we would equip the museum ecologically.
How are the roles divided between you and museum director Gerda Ridler?
Ms. Ridler will develop the museum’s exhibition concept and event program. This program will be approved either by myself or the two art historians Dr. Martin Stather and Dr. Andreas Bee. In Gerda Ridler, we chose a director who, in addition to classic museum work, puts a great deal of value on visitor orientation and who will offer a special service in the museum.
In your plans there is an emphasis on art education, with programs for children and youths. What exactly do you envision?
Art education and visitor care are very important for us. Abstract and geometric art require special information and instruction. Each visitor receives a free audio guide included in their entrance fee; we also arrange thematic exhibition lectures and tours behind the scenes. We’re also preparing special programs for people of different age groups. The main focus is children and youth, as they are the visitors of tomorrow.
If you could wish for anything now, shortly before the opening of your museum, what would it be?
I’d wish that the Museum Ritter becomes a lively place to encounter art, and that both the general public and the employees of our company will be touched and effected by the museum.
Interview: Johannes Wendland. |
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