Depending on the exhibition, guests can view photographs from different centuries in the Photography Forum.
Tourismus NRW e.V., Depending on the exhibition, guests can view photographs from different centuries in the Photography Forum.

Photography Forum of the StädteRegion Aachen

Monschau

Established in 2002 as the first cultural start-up center in North Rhine-Westphalia, the former art and culture center (KuK) in Monschau has since developed into a forum for international photography: the Photography Forum of the Aachen City Region. Meanwhile, art fans from near and far flock to the historic building in the old town to see changing exhibitions by top-class photographers and exchange ideas with other guests.

The town's former tax office is located between the rocky banks of the Rur, just a few minutes' walk from the Monschau market. Where dull paperwork once dominated everyday life, impressive photographs by international photo artists now line the walls. Greats such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, Vivian Maier, Anton Corbijin, Bruce Davidson and Lotte and Ruth Jacobi have already presented their work here.

Large network offers opportunities

Originally conceived as a place for creative work with 14 artists' studios, the former art and cultural center has been transformed into a showcase for the international photography scene in recent years. The exhibitions are more extensive and more concentrated than ever before. The name "Fotografie-Forum" reflects the new orientation well; it emphasizes the dialog character that the house wants to create between artists and guests.

Photo newcomers from the region - formed in the specially founded SHIFT project - also benefit from the international network, which includes agencies such as Magnum Photos (Paris) and diChroma (Madrid). They present their work to a broad public under one roof with the stars of the scene in the cabinet-style rooms. A scholarship even enables a young talent to realize a project work each year, which is then presented to the public in a separate show.

Other highlights in the Photography Forum's program include the Photography Festival, which celebrated its successful premiere in 2021 with around 10,000 visitors at 14 exhibition venues in the Aachen city region, as well as individual workshops, seminars and educational offers for adults and young people. As a result, the museum's own archive of photographic art is constantly growing.

Make yourself a culture pack!

Enjoy art and history between half-timbered houses

Directly opposite the Aukloster you will find the Fotografie-Forum der StädteRegion Aachen. The exhibition centre presents international photographic art of the highest quality. With up to six temporary exhibitions focussing on photography every year, you can meet well-known names such as Anton Corbijn, Herbert List, Jim Rakete and Vivian Maier. And admission is free!

  • The former cloth-making town of Monschau with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses is one of the most beautiful historic old towns in the country.
  • Directly opposite the Aukloster you will find the Fotografie-Forum der StädteRegion Aachen. The exhibition centre presents international photographic art of the highest quality. With up to six temporary exhibitions focussing on photography every year, you can meet well-known names such as Anton Corbijn, Herbert List, Jim Rakete and Vivian Maier. And admission is free!
  • Numerous restaurants in the city centre invite you to take a culinary break. The specialities at the cosy Café Kaulard include the delicious Calvados tart. If you prefer something more savoury, try the Monschau mustard soup at the Zum Haller restaurant.
  • You can explore Monschau's textile past on your own during the "Red Thread" city walk. The route is around 2.3 kilometres long and naturally also takes you past the famous Red House, the magnificent residential and manufacturing building from the 18th century, which can be visited. A description of the route is available from the tourist information centre as a flyer or online (www.monschau.de/Altstadtrundgang-Monschau).
  • Excursion tip: The Monschau mustard mill is the fifth generation to keep the tradition alive. In the shop of the producing museum you will find original souvenirs such as ginger or beer mustard and even mustard chocolates. Just give it a try!
  • Overnight tip: sleep like the founders of the mustard mill in the old town (two holiday flats via the mustard mill) or spend the night in a historic clothmaker's villa, e.g. Villa Burgau.

Important information at a glance

  • closed on Mondays

    Open today
    Tuesday14:00 - 17:00
    Wednesday14:00 - 17:00
    Thursday14:00 - 17:00
    Friday14:00 - 17:00
    Saturday11:00 - 17:00
    Sunday11:00 - 17:00

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