Jahresgaben 2026

Opening: Friday, December 4, 18:00
December 5 – December 13, 2026

History of the Jahresgaben and current role

The Jahresgaben date back to the founding of the Kunstverein München in 1823, when members received an annual art print as part of their membership. Over time, it developed into a group exhibition of works by mostly Munich-based artists. The Jahresgaben are an important format that reflects the density and diversity of the local contemporary art scene in Munich, foregrounding the breadth of artistic production in the city. The focus of the Jahresgaben is on artists who have a connection to the city, who live and work here, who have exhibited at the Kunstverein, and/or who have completed their education here, thereby remaining in active exchange with the institution and its broader artistic environment. The Jahresgaben remain an important annual exhibition for Kunstverein München: a moment that brings together artists, members, and audiences, while reaffirming the institution’s role as a place of encounter and exchange within the city.

Mutual support

Members of Kunstverein München have the opportunity to purchase works at special prices, thereby supporting local artistic production as well as Kunstverein München. Half of the profits from sales go to the artists, the other half to the Kunstverein and the Künstlersozialkasse—a solidarity-based structure of mutual support between the artists and the institution.

Affordability for all

It is important to Kunstverein München that members of different backgrounds and financial means have the opportunity to afford the purchase of a Jahresgabe. For this reason, there is the following price regulation: for the Jahresgaben, each artist may submit up to four works, of which at least two may not exceed a selling price of 700 EUR each. The prices are inclusive of any applicable tax. The production costs are covered by the artists themselves and may not be passed on to the Kunstverein. Kunstverein München reserves the right to make minor changes to these guidelines under certain conditions.

Breakdown of the selection criteria

The selection of artists for the Jahresgaben reflects the greatest possible diversity and is carried out by the team of Kunstverein München according to the criteria specified in the annual open call.