Museum of Applied Art | Cologne

Information

Landmark: Museum of Applied Art
City: Cologne
Country: Germany
Continent: Europe

Museum of Applied Art, Cologne, Germany, Europe

Museum of Applied Arts Cologne (Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln, or MAKK) is a major decorative arts museum in Germany, housing a collection that spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary design.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a post-war building designed by Rudolf Schwarz, completed in 1957, which sits on the foundations of a former Minorite monastery. It features a striking red-brick facade and a quiet, minimalist interior. The layout utilizes clear geometric lines and large windows that overlook a central courtyard. The "Design" section is notably modern, with high-contrast displays of furniture, glass, and industrial products.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is located at An der Rechtschule 7, 50667 Cologne, situated directly between the Cologne Cathedral and the Minoritenkirche.

Public Transit: Located within 5 minutes walking distance of Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).

Access: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Parking: Limited street parking. Use the nearby "Parkhaus am Dom" or "Parkhaus An der Rechtschule."

Historical & Ecological Origin

Founded in 1888, it is the second oldest museum in Cologne. The original building was destroyed in WWII, leading to the construction of the current Schwarz-designed facility on the historic monastery site. The collection was significantly bolstered by the "Prof. Richard G. Winkler" collection of modern design. The museum focuses on the relationship between art and utility, documenting the evolution of European craftsmanship.

Key Highlights & Activities

Design Collection: One of the most important collections of 20th-century design in Europe, featuring icons by Ray & Charles Eames, Dieter Rams, and Ettore Sottsass.

Middle Ages to Baroque: Exquisite displays of liturgical art, ivory carvings, and gold jewelry.

Ceramics and Glass: A comprehensive history of European glassware and Rhenish stoneware.

Special Exhibitions: Frequent rotating shows focusing on contemporary fashion, graphic design, and industrial aesthetics.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The museum features a specialized bookstore and a cafe that opens into the secluded inner courtyard. The building is fully wheelchair accessible via elevators and ramps. Public restrooms and lockers are located in the lobby area. 5G signal is excellent due to its central location.

Best Time to Visit

The first Thursday of every month ("Lange Donnerstag") features extended hours until 10:00 PM. Weekday mornings are ideal for exploring the Design section without crowds. The inner courtyard is a recommended quiet zone for breaks during peak tourist hours in the city center.

Facts & Legends

A technical oddity is the museum’s integration of the "Kölner Klapperstein" (Rattle Stone) into the facade of the Minoritenkirche adjacent to it-a stone that, according to legend, was used to stone people or as a symbol of legal judgment. Historically, the MAKK’s site has been a center for intellectual and spiritual life in Cologne for nearly 800 years.