With its focus on Media Art the Edith-Russ-Haus is an exception in Northern Germany. It is understood as a place for the presentation and communication in which the progressing digitalization is as well discussed as the virtualization of the world which New Media encourage. In a changing exhibition programme the Edith-Russ-Haus shows innovative and experimental tendencies of contemporary art. Presentations, artists´ talks, the stipend programme and media pedagogic workshops support the public discussion about Media Art as well as many regional and international cooperations.

The Edith-Russ-Haus for Media Art was first made possible by the an endowment by Edith Maria Ruß (22.1.1919 – 18.7.1993). According to her will, the City of Oldenburg was able to build a house "for the arts in the transition into the new millenium."