As an element of building culture, art in architecture shapes the quality and expressiveness of buildings and can also have an impact on the surrounding public space. It is permanently connected to the buildings, both indoors and outdoors, and, depending on the building, its purpose, and the available space, can originate from various artistic disciplines, ranging from more classical sculptural or painterly concepts to digital video or projection installations.

The beginnings of art in architecture lie in the artistic design of buildings, which was an integral part of architecture for a long time. It was only when minimalist and sober architectural concepts became increasingly prevalent in the 20th century that art took on a new role. The basic idea and the rules for art in construction that are still valid today were adopted by the Bundestag at its 30th session in 1950 on the recommendation of the German Association of Cities.

Art in construction creates cultural added value. It is one of the largest and most important programs for promoting art and artists in Germany. Together with architecture, it documents developments in aesthetics and artistic creation over individual decades.