Werkbundarchiv - Museum der Dinge (Museum of Things)

From the purist vase to the kitsch snow globe – the Museum der Dinge deals with objects from everyday life. It is centred around the German Werkbund (DWB), a society that values aesthetic things that are simple and useful. The Museum of Things shows you a cross-section of the world of everyday things in wooden display cases.

Between kitsch and design

In 1907, artists and entrepreneurs establish the Deutscher Werkbund. They want objects that are honest, functional, simple and sustainable. The Werkbund designs objects, but always focuses on the future. That's why the DWB founds the Werkbundarchiv Berlin in 1971. Here, the group documents and reflects on the history of product culture. It amasses a sizeable collection ranging from aesthetic commodities to souvenirs, high-profile designer pieces to NoName mass productions. As you go through the repository, situated in a factory building, wooden display cases are stacked with characteristic blue Nivea cans. In another, a crowd of toy figures - Smurfs, Garfield, or Donald Duck. The line between garage and commercial value is quickly blurred. A different case is dominated by simple design: curved glass vases and functional watering cans. The museum has arranged the collection deliberately. In the central room, display cabinets are organised thematically. Here you will find the works of the German Werkbund, that both contrast and are congruent with the objects of today. A unique exhibit is the Frankfurt kitchen. Designed in 1926 by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, this standardised kitchen is a prime example of the response to the urban housing shortage and rising population figures after World War II. Economic, efficient, and cheap housing was accompanied by simple facilities. Its combination of aesthetics and efficiency places it at the core of German Werkbund values: sustainable, rational and functional.

An insight into the diversity of things

• Model chair by Herbert Hirche (Bauhaus style, after 1945)
• Simple red rotary dial telephone (Tesla, 1982)
• Kinder Surprise Egg figurines from Ferrero
• "Das große Hasenstück", golden plastic figure of Ottmar Hörl (2003)

Special exhibitions in the vicinity

In the Kreuzberg art space Bethanien, encounter themed contemporary art exhibitions. The building is a former Deaconess Hospital with a gripping history. Famous in the 1970s, it was a centre for political activists. In the neuen Gesellschaft für bildende Kunst, art is presented democratically. The members of the association decide their exhibition programme at the annual meeting. Featured artists are mostly young, international, often controversial and always focus on social issues. You will find the nGbK in a former safe factory.

Tips for your visit to the Museum der Dinge

You can reach the museum via underground lines U1/U3 and U8 to Kottbusser Tor. Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is free for those up to 17 years of age. Every Sunday at 14:00 you can participate in a free public guided tour. There are also special workshops and themed tours for school classes and groups. Group discounts are possible. For more information, refer to the museum website.

Opening hours