After World War II, the Kienzle siblings devoted themselves to traveling across the Himalayas, fueled by a passion for art. From the 1950s onward, they explored temples, markets, and festivals, forging key relationships to amass a renowned collection of bronzes and thangkas—an enduring testament to their dedication and vision.
In 1976, a young Peter Hardt and his first wife, Ingrid, set off on a bicycle journey around the world—an adventure that would forever shape their lives. Inspired by their voyage, they launched a small business dedicated to Asian art. This passion eventually led Peter to develop a deep friendship with the Kienzle siblings.
In the early 2000s, the Kienzle siblings began searching for a custodian for their remarkable collection and turned to their longtime friend Peter Hardt. Hardt would establish a private museum of Asian art in Sieplenbusch. The project required more than a decade of planning and construction, costing over three million euros.
Managing Director
Senior Expert - Chinese & Southeast Asian Art
Expert - Chinese & Southeast Asian Art