After an extensive three-year renovation, the Käthe Kollwitz Museum Cologne will reopen its doors on October 11, 2025. With around 20 new acquisitions and 10 new permanent loans, the opening exhibition "Seeing Kollwitz anew" will showcase classic works from the renowned collection as well as works that have rarely been exhibited before. Highlights include a color pastel self-portrait from 1893/94 from family property, a portrait of cousin Else Rupp from 1890, an early double portrait with a fellow student from 1889 or a technical sample of the print "Losbruch" from the cycle "Bauernkrieg" from 1902.
The exhibition deals with central themes from Kollwitz' work: social justice, war, poverty and the female perspective on loss, motherhood and solidarity. An interactive multimedia guide, new media stations and a virtual studio give visitors in-depth access to the artist. The newly established museum workshop with historic litho press also creates space for workshops and creative educational formats.
With this comprehensive reorientation, the museum is building on its important role in the German museum landscape on the 80th anniversary of Käthe Kollwitz' death and the 40th anniversary of the museum's founding. The museum has also been made fit for the future: a new LED lighting concept and a modern, energy-efficient air conditioning system ensure better exhibition conditions while reducing the environmental impact.
