Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum

In the location's words:

As an ethnological museum, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum - Cultures of the World is undergoing an ongoing process of transformation. Many objects from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania came to Cologne during the colonial era - often under violence, coercion and unjust power relations. The museum confronts this history and asks: who collected, who tells stories about whom and how do we tell these stories anew?

The RJM works together with people from the societies of origin from which the collections come, as well as with diasporic communities in Cologne. They are experts, co-researchers, advisors, artists and storytellers. The joint exchange is about the continuing effects of colonialism, about acquisition, possession and restitution - but also about justice, healing and solidarity. The museum sees itself as a space for decolonization, respectful dialogue and tolerance.

The permanent exhibition from 2010 is being gradually renewed. This will create spaces for diverse voices, languages, narratives and forms of knowledge. Places such as the Yellow Room with an anti-colonial library or the SPACE4KIDS as a creative space for children and young people invite them to think, feel and participate. Children and young people have a right to museums and cultural participation and are actively involved in shaping the RJM.

Stop: Neumarkt