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German Art Patron Carolin Scharpff-Striebich Dies at 63

other · 2026-09-03

Carolin Scharpff-Striebich, a well-known art collector from Germany, died on August 28 in Bonn at the age of 63 following a prolonged illness. She played a vital role in promoting contemporary art and supporting public museums, holding positions on numerous boards. Since September 2023, she had been a trustee and later chairwoman of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation. Scharpff-Striebich also oversaw her parents' art collection while cultivating her own, with an emphasis on contemporary painting and sculpture. In addition, she led the Rudolf and Ute Scharpff Foundation and the Friends of the Kunstmuseum Bonn, establishing the Förderstiftung des Kunstmuseums Bonn in 2021. In 2008, she initiated the 'Offene Depot' project to enhance museum partnerships. The foundation recognized her as a dedicated champion of contemporary art.

Key facts

  • Carolin Scharpff-Striebich died on August 28 in Bonn after a severe illness.
  • She was 63 years old.
  • She was a member of the board of trustees of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation since September 2023 and later became its chair.
  • She was chairwoman of the Rudolf and Ute Scharpff Foundation for Contemporary Art.
  • She took over the management of her parents' collection in 2004.
  • She was chair of the Friends of the Kunstmuseum Bonn from 2020.
  • She founded the Förderstiftung des Kunstmuseums Bonn in 2021.
  • She initiated the 'Offene Depot' project in 2008.
  • Carla Cugini, managing director of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation, praised her as a 'sensitive and committed chairwoman.'

Entities

Artists

  • Carolin Scharpff-Striebich
  • Ute Scharpff
  • Rudolf Scharpff

Institutions

  • Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation
  • Rudolf and Ute Scharpff Foundation for Contemporary Art
  • Kunstmuseum Bonn
  • Friends of the Kunstmuseum Bonn
  • Förderstiftung des Kunstmuseums Bonn

Locations

  • Bonn
  • Germany

Sources