Museum Ludwig, Cologne - History of a Collection with Civic Commitments

Museum Ludwig, Cologne

The Museum Ludwig is an art museum that is operated by the City of Cologne and collects works of art from the 20th century to today. Cologne grew from an ancient transport hub on the Rhine into Germany’s fourth largest metropolis. It is a culturally rich city that is home to Cologne Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic structure, and the University of Cologne, one of Europe’s oldest universities, as well as many museums and art museums.

The Ludwig Museum opened in 1986 next to Cologne Cathedral along the Rhine. Its origins go back to 1976, when noted art collectors Peter and Irene Ludwig donated some 350 works of art to the city. The core collection was completed with the transfer of post-1900 works from the municipally operated Wallraf-Richartz Museum, including a German modernism collection donated by Cologne lawyer Josef Haubrich in 1946.

Today, it is internationally acclaimed for holdings that encompass: one of Europe’s largest Pop Art collections; Expressionism, Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity), and other forms of German modern art, as well as contemporaneous Russian Avant-garde; one of the world’s top three Picasso collections; a photo collection that spans the history of photography and excels both in quality and quantity; and contemporary works around the globe.

Collectors who paid for the future

The Museum Ludwig’s collection was largely built up by donations and purchases from private local collectors. These citizens’ devotion to preserving art and culture for future generations has always been at the heart of the museum’s holdings and activities. Such inseparable bonds between art and the community offer great inspiration and ideas for people living in Japan today.

A journey across art history: 100 years of diverse expressions

The exhibition offers a rich panorama of avant-garde, abstract, and other realms of expression from the early 20th century to today—including German Expressionism, Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity), Cubism, Russian Avant-garde, Bauhaus, Surrealism, Picasso, and Pop Art. Each chapter also presents samplings from the museum’s photography collection that provide a vivid window to the spirit and psyche of contemporary society. Another must-see highlight is the array of dazzling expressions created by female artists.

The pulse of each era, encapsulated in 152 masterpieces

Following the 20th century’s two world wars, post-conflict reconstruction, and national reunification, Germany emerged to become one of Europe’s greatest powerhouses today. This exhibition provides both a lesson in history through the lens of art, and a look at art in its historical context. The 152 masterpieces displayed will provide thought-inspiring encounters with humans and society.