Obituary for Gertrude Stein
13.3.2026
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Gertrude Stein. She passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 98 in New York. With her passing, we lose a defining figure in the international art world, a pioneer of critical avant-garde art of the 20th century, and a witness to the last century.
As early as the 1960s, Gertrude Stein presented works of critical international art at her "Gallery Gertrude Stein" in New York City—including pieces by Boris Lurie, Balthus, Allan D'Arcangelo, Francis Picabia, and Wolf Vostell. After the death of her friend, Gertrude Stein founded the Boris Lurie Art Foundation and led it with extraordinary energy until the very end. Her work was driven by the conviction that art can be more than just aesthetic experience: a space for critical engagement and taking a stand. She understood how to consistently support artistic positions while simultaneously highlighting the ethical dimension of art and memory.
In January 2020, I had the opportunity to interview Gertrude Stein in New York for our exhibition at the German Bundestag and talk with her about social responsibility and Boris Lurie. The conversation deeply impressed me.
Statement by Gertrude Stein on the question: Auschwitz and I - Why it is important to remember the Holocaust, 2020 in cooperation with ARD's WDR Studio New York
Furthermore, it was a particular honor for us to be able to realize a major exhibition in Venice in 2024, together with her, Rafael Vostell, and with the support of the Boris Lurie Art Foundation, to mark the 100th anniversary of Boris Lurie's birth. In preparation for the exhibition, we were able to record an extensive conversation with Gertrude Stein about her friend Boris Lurie.
Interview with Gertrude Stein about Boris Lurie, 2020 in cooperation with ARD's WDR Studio New York
We will remember Gertrude Stein as a figure who inextricably linked art and responsibility. Her dedication, her perspective, and her voice will be sorely missed by us, the museum, and her many colleagues.
The museum team and I personally, Dr. Jürgen Kaumkötter, Director of the Museum, extend our deepest condolences to her family and all her friends.
Opening of the exhibition to mark Boris Lurie's 100th birthday in Venice
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