The museum's large collection ranges from the Middle Ages to the present day. Handicrafts are just as much a part of the collection as industrial products. Visitors can easily follow historical design developments. The clear highlight of the museum is the design department, which has gained in quality thanks to an extensive donation.
Every exhibition room in the Museum of Applied Arts Cologne (MAKK) is a rich storehouse of knowledge: finely crafted glass goblets, which were enameled and gilded in the 15th or 16th century, allow conclusions to be drawn about the art appreciation of wealthy citizens at the time. Luxurious wooden caskets from the Middle Ages bear witness to their earlier use in aristocratic circles. Whimsical designer furniture from the 1950s or 1960s is reminiscent of a time when brightly colored furniture adorned almost every household.
Visitors can trace historical design developments using selected exhibits. Technical innovations are explained simply in a cultural context. The shapes and colors from different eras speak volumes. Commissioned works from the decorative arts form a magnificent ensemble in combination with designer products.
Unique exhibition concept in Europe
The collection of the museum, which has been located on Kolpingplatz in Cologne's city center since 1989, ranges from the Middle Ages to the present day in the field of applied art. The inventory also includes several hundred objects from the former "Wallrafianium", the collection of Cologne professor and patron Franz Ferdinand Wallraf. A collection of jewelry spanning 5000 years complements the diverse holdings.
However, the clear highlight of the museum is the design department, which was raised to a new level of quality in 2008 thanks to a comprehensive donation. Since then, over 700 North American and Western European designer objects from the 20th and 21st centuries have enriched the collection, which is now exhibited together with paintings and sculptures by international artists. Industrial products from major manufacturers and works by renowned designers enter into a dialog with works of fine art - a unique exhibition concept in Europe, according to the media.
If you want to experience even more art in Cologne, you can visit the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum or the Museum Ludwig. The Museum Kolumba or the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum are also worth a visit with their own thematic focuses.
