People have been living in the Rhineland for 400,000 years. One of Germany’s largest and oldest art and cultural history museums, the LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn, tells their story: from the Neanderthal—whose original skeleton is among the world’s most significant archaeological finds—to the Rhinelanders of today. The new permanent exhibition “A World in Transition” and regular temporary exhibitions focus on life and daily routines in the region, social changes, and new cultural perspectives.
The first section of the new permanent exhibition is dedicated to the past 1,000 years: Visitors can explore themes such as faith and knowledge, trade and craftsmanship, as well as progress and a return to tradition through sculptures, paintings, prints, photographic works, and exquisite examples of arts and crafts. Highlights of the collection include medieval wooden sculptures such as the Roettgen Pietà, magnificent arts and crafts from the Baroque residences, paintings from the Düsseldorf School of Painting, as well as artistic works and photographic pieces from the 20th century to the present.
The “Gallery of Unassuming Things” presents, for the first time, archaeological finds from the modern era, spanning from the 19th century to the very recent past. Finally, the “Museum of the Future,” located at the center of the exhibition, bridges the gap to tomorrow by encouraging discussion on current topics and questions about the future. Numerous interactive stations and multimedia features are available for visitors to explore. Through visitor participation, the “Museum of the Future” is intended to become a forum for debate, a workshop for ideas, and a place of lively exchange.
