In 1823, a number of Bremen art lovers founded the Arts Society in Bremen (Kunstverein in Bremen). At first, its members used to meet in private places to look at prints, but they soon started to busily exhibit and collect pieces of art themselves. Therefore, the first building of the Kunsthalle was built in 1849.
The collection rapidly grew, so the building was remodelled and extended from 1899 to 1906.
Numerous exhibitions made it necessary to add another extension in 1982. It comprises rooms for special exhibitions, a café and a lecture hall.
Owed to the support of many Bremen citizens, the Kunstverein was able to renovate the Kunsthalle from 1996 to 1998 and extend the upper floor. However, the exhibition space for its own collection has not been enlarged in the last 100 years.
To continue displaying all the art treasures in the depot and large-scale special exhibitions, the Kunstverein is now planning to extend the Kunsthalle.