The Museum für Angewandte Kunst Koln (Museum of Applied Art Cologne), or MAKK, has an impressive array of medieval, Renaissance and baroque art objects dating from the middle ages. One of the museum’s biggest draws is the collection of modern design objects from the 20th and 21st centuries. Accompanying descriptions and timelines show world events at the time the items were created, and allow visitors to follow the story of art and design throughout history.
The museum showcases the work of a wide array of artists and craftspeople, from goldsmiths and jewelers, to photographers and graphic designers. You’ll find precious artworks made of glass, porcelain and ceramics, as well as a collection of contemporary design, including fashion, technology and architecture.
See how many items you recognise in the product design section, which contains many functional household items with historical importance, such as Soviet-era radios, original Tiffany glass creations and Eames chairs. See a chair designed by Mies van der Rohe alongside a retro vacuum cleaner and a 1970s television.
It’s easy to spend several hours or a full afternoon enjoying the museum’s offerings. This museum isn’t as busy as some of the bigger attractions in Cologne. Come during the week and you might even have the museum almost to yourself.
A small café serves snacks and beverages. Buy posters, books and replica design objects from the gift shop.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Check the details of current exhibitions, pricing and opening hours on the MAKK website before your visit. Touring exhibitions may have an additional admission fee.
MAKK is not far from Cologne Cathedral. The closest U-Bahn station is Dom/Hauptbahnhof. There is pay car parking underneath the cathedral.
