Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum

In the location's words:

Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne - Cultures of the World in the heart of the city

One of the most important ethnological museums in Europe is located in the heart of Cologne, directly on Neumarkt: the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum - Cultures of the World. Over 65,000 objects from Oceania, Africa, Asia and America, 100,000 historical photographs and one of the largest specialist ethnological libraries in Germany. All this with a view that critically scrutinizes, makes many voices audible and builds bridges between past and present. The RJM is not a museum that simply exhibits. It is a place that asks questions.

Where cultures of the world come together: The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne and its history

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum has a long history and deals with it openly. Founded in 1901 and first opened in 1906, it emerged from the private collection of world traveler Wilhelm Joest, which his sister Adele Rautenstrauch bequeathed to the museum and whose construction she financed. The name itself carries the family history within it.

However, the 19th century was not only an age of travel and collections, but also an era of colonial oppression. An important part of the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum's collection dates back to this period. The museum does not conceal this fact, but makes it the core of its work: provenance research, restitution and active cooperation with societies of origin are central tasks of today's Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum.

In 2010, after 15 years of planning and construction, the museum opened its modern new building on Neumarkt and was promptly awarded the 2012 Council of Europe Museum Prize. Since then, it has been one of the most talked about ethnological museums in the German-speaking world.

What awaits you at the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne

Permanent exhibition: The world in one house

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum's permanent exhibition comparing cultures invites you to discover the diversity of human cultures from all over the world. Not from a single, western perspective, but with many voices, many points of view and the courage to ask uncomfortable questions. Themes such as identity, body, ritual, community and globalization run through the exhibition and connect the collection with our present.

Special exhibitions & interventions

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum regularly presents special exhibitions that address socially relevant topics: from indigenous perspectives on the future to 500 years of anti-colonial resistance. These are complemented by interventions, i.e. smaller, targeted artistic interventions in the exhibition that open up new perspectives.

Program for all

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum is more than just an exhibition venue. With guided tours, workshops for adults and children, gamelan courses, school activities and the YELLOW ROOM as a third meeting place, the museum offers a broad program that actively involves Cologne's diverse urban society. The calendar of events is worth checking regularly.

Museum café & store

After the tour, the museum café invites you to linger. In the museum store, you will find a curated selection of books, publications and souvenirs relating to the museum's themes.

A museum that takes a stand: Diversity and openness as a principle

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum sees itself as a political museum. It actively works to dismantle structural exclusions in the cultural sector, to question monocultural perspectives and to make the voices of those from whose societies the objects in the collection originate audible. This is reflected in the staff structure, in the exhibition content and in the claim to be a truly open house for everyone.

Free admission for refugees and their companions.

Practical information: Tickets, opening hours & directions

Opening hours:

• Tue to Sun: 10 am to 6 pm
• Thursdays: 10 am to 8 pm
  1. Thursday of the month: 10 am to 10 pm
• Mon and 24.12., 25.12., 31.12., 1.1., Weiberfastnacht and Rosenmontag: closed

Tickets:

• Permanent exhibition: €7 / reduced: €4.50
• Special exhibition: €6 / reduced: €4
• Combination ticket permanent and special exhibition: €9 / reduced: €7
• Combined ticket RJM and Museum Schnütgen: € 10 / reduced: € 7
• Groups of 10 or more: € 4.50 per person
• Special discounts for people with severe disabilities (GdB from 50%)

Address: Cäcilienstraße 29 to 33, 50667 Cologne

Directions by public transport: Neumarkt stop (2-minute walk), KVB lines 1, 3, 4, 9, 16, 18 and bus lines 136 and 146

Parking: There is a parking garage directly under the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum.

Accessibility: The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne is wheelchair accessible. The event hall is equipped with induction loops. Free video guides in sign language are available for deaf people.

Frequently asked questions about the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum in Cologne

1. may I take photographs in the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum?

Yes, photography is permitted for private purposes in the foyer and in the permanent exhibition as long as you do not use a tripod or flash. For commercial photography or photos for publications, please contact the museum administration in advance at rjm@stadt-koeln.de.

2. can I visit the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne together with another Cologne museum?

Yes, there is a combined ticket for the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum and the neighboring Museum Schnütgen, two of the most exciting museums in the cultural quarter on Neumarkt, at a reduced price. Ideal if you are planning a whole day of culture in Cologne.

3. are there audio guides or other orientation aids in the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne?

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum offers audio guides to borrow on site and as MP3 downloads. For deaf visitors, video guides in sign language are available free of charge at the information desk in the foyer. You can also download an orientation map as a PDF in advance to help you plan your visit.

4. what are the gamelan courses offered by the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne?

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum regularly offers gamelan courses. This means you can learn and experience the traditional ensemble musical instrument from Indonesia directly in the museum. An unusual and very personal cultural experience that goes far beyond a normal museum visit.

5 What is the YELLOW ROOM in the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Cologne?

The YELLOW ROOM is an open meeting space in the museum, a so-called "third place" that facilitates exchange, networking and socializing, even independently of the exhibitions. It is aimed at anyone who wants to experience the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum not only as an exhibition venue, but also as a lively meeting place for Cologne's urban society.

6 Does the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum in Cologne offer special programs for school classes?

Yes, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum offers a wide range of programs especially for schools, from age-appropriate guided tours to workshops on various cultural topics and project days. The offers are tailored to different age groups and can be booked directly through the museum .

7 Where can I find current events and special exhibitions at the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum in Cologne?

The program of the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum changes regularly. Here on Rausgegangen you can find all current events, exhibitions and highlights directly in your city, curated, clearly arranged and always up-to-date. If you don't want to miss anything, you can also follow the museum on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.