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MAKK. Museum of Applied Arts Cologne

Museum
Published: 17.12.2024

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Since 1989, the MAKK collection's exhibits span 800 years of European craftsmanship and 5,000 years of jewellery. A time journey through the centuries gives an insight into the rich artistic variety of styles in different eras.
MAKK. Museum of Applied Arts Cologne.
Cologne
Management:
Christine Drabe
MAKK. Museum of Applied Arts Cologne.
© MAKK Kunst and Design Museum

© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.

Intro
Spanning from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, with around 250,000 objects, the MAKK is one of Germany’s largest applied art museums.
Fostering dialogue between art and design, the museum's concept includes both historical and contemporary objects, allowing visitors to experience them authentically and inspiring engagement with creativity and the designed environment.
The MAKK (Museum of Applied Arts) is the only museum of its kind in North-Rhine Westphalia. Since 1989 its extensive collection has been presented at the museum’s venue in the heart of the city with views of the cathedral spires. The collection's exhibits span 800 years of European craftsmanship and 5,000 years of jewellery. A time journey through the centuries gives an insight into the rich artistic variety of styles in different eras.

The extensive collection is the result of generous art patronage and sponsorship. The most recent highlight of the collection was opened in 2008: the Design Department with its focus on North American and European design of the 20th and 21st centuries was considerably enlarged as a result of the acquisition of the R.G. Winkler Collection.


What does the museum stand for?
  • For openness. It embodies openness through respectful and appreciative interactions with visitors and the wider community. As a public-municipal institution, the museum views its commitment as a social responsibility. It supports interdisciplinary dialogue among creative professionals, researchers, and the general public, promoting collaboration and networking on both national and international levels. The museum serves as a knowledge repository, providing open access to information – in both analogue and digital forms, as well as through interactive experiences – and shares this knowledge equally with all interested parties.
 
  • For societal relevance. The museum is a lively, inclusive space for encounters and learning. Its socio-political stance is rooted in the principles of the liberal democratic constitution, with an emphasis on discourse around socially relevant topics and dynamic processes. Creativity and sustainability, in line with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda, are central to its mission.
 
  • For diversity. The museum’s collections reflect thematic diversity and the orientation of its exhibitions and educational programs. In a multifaceted society, the museum ensures that all individuals can access its exhibitions and events, regardless of age, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, physical or mental abilities, religion, worldview, sexual orientation, or social background. Its programme addresses both historical and contemporary topics, current social issues, and new research findings.
 
  • For creative conveyance. The museum draws upon diverse academic insights into the learning process to create an experimental, creative, and technologically innovative approach to education. The focus of its analogue and digital educational programmes is shared experiences in creative processes. It provides new perspectives and fosters both traditional and unconventional approaches to engaging with objects and future-oriented topics.

Events      View / hide events

2024:
Exhibition  17 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2025  The Fascination of Jewellery. 7000 Years of Jewellery Art.
2021:
Exhibition  13 Mar 2021 - 01 Aug 2021  Danish Jewellery Box, Contemporary Jewellery Design.
2008:
Exhibition  19 Sep 2008 - 09 Nov 2008  In Prime Location.
Exhibition  28 May 2008 - 29 Aug 2008  Schmuckpole: Wilhelm Nagel und Karl Fritsch.
MAKK. Museum of Applied Arts Cologne.
© MAKK Kunst and Design Museum

© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
MAKK. Museum of Applied Arts Cologne.
From left to right: Bangle with ram heads, 550-330 BC, Sasanian Empire.
KNELL #3 Pendant by Karin Pontoppidan, 2016. Dragon Fish Brooch by Eugène Feuillâtre, 1900. Alpine Rose & Stars brooch by Jantje Fleischhut, 2007. 
© Detlef Schumacher

© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
MAKK. Museum of Applied Arts Cologne.
© Detlef Schumacher

© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.