Agency Report
Cologne – German painter Gerhard Richter has joined an effort to save a renowned art library in his home city of Cologne. “The Art and Museum Library is an inexhaustible source of knowledge and inspiration,” the 92-year-old artist said on Tuesday.
The library – known as the KMB – is one of the world’s largest public libraries of modern art and photography, with more than 550,000 volumes.
However, it must vacate its site in the western city on July 1 and a new location has not yet been found.
The “Save the KMB!” initiative fears that the holdings will be stored for the time being, effectively closing the library, in what it describes as a “cultural catastrophe.”
Richter, widely regarded one of the world’s most influential painters, said: “As a citizen of Cologne, I am proud that the city has this rich treasure, which is actively used every day by many people interested in art – professionals and amateurs alike.”
A city spokeswoman said that a draft resolution for the city council on renting accommodation for the library is currently being discussed.
