Events 2000-2004
In 2000, the poet Margret Hölle met Lothar Fischer, who, like her, had spent his childhood in Neumarkt i.d.OPf. He told her about his foundation idea and contact was made with the city's decision-makers, who accepted the idea and thought about ways of presenting Fischer's work. In December, the sculptor was awarded the city's culture prize.
In spring 2001, Lothar Fischer was commissioned to design a fountain on the Residenzplatz opposite the Reitstadel. Accompanied by controversial discussions among the citizens, the "Drei Reiter” (Three Horsemen) fountain was erected in 2002. In June, the city council approved the construction of the Museum Lothar Fischer and the creation of a city park. Together with his wife Christel, Lothar Fischer established the Lothar & Christel Fischer Foundation, which was soon recognised by the government of the Upper Palatinate. The first meeting of the members of the foundation's board of directors and board of trustees took place in the town hall, and at the end of 2002 the cooperation agreement with the town was signed by the Fischer couple.
The foundation stone for the museum was laid in 2003 (Berschneider + Berschneider Architects BDA, interior designers), although the citizens' initiative Pro Stadtpark criticised the city's approach. The topping-out ceremony took place on Fischer's 70th birthday in November. The founding of an association of friends of the museum was already being discussed.
On June 15, 2004, Lothar Fischer died after a short, serious illness. Nevertheless, the museum was opened four days later as planned and has been run by the Lothar & Christel Fischer Foundation in co-operation with the town of Neumarkt i.d.OPf. ever since.