The Museum der Dinge, located in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district, is a true gem among the city’s many museums.
Founded in 1971 by the Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge, the museum’s rich history dates back to the early 20th century, and its collection of over 40,000 designs and everyday objects is one of the world’s leading collections in the field.
The museum’s goal is to preserve and promote the cultural significance of these objects, which range from furniture and household items to toys and graphic design pieces.
History and Collection of Museum der Dinge
On the first Sunday of the month, when museums in the city are free, I had the pleasure of visiting the Museum der Dinge in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. As I walked through the museum’s doors, I was immediately struck by the impressive collection of design objects on display.
The Museum der Dinge has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it was founded to promote modern design principles. The organization’s goal was to collect and preserve objects that were representative of contemporary design trends and the social and cultural context in which they were created. You can see fashion trends, political moments, and important events that changed the world just by looking at what was produced during that time. It’s truly fascinating to see the evolution of everyday items over the years, from trends to decades and much more.
The museum’s collection spans from the late 19th century to the present day, focusing on the period from the 1920s to the 1970s. The museum even holds a space for the corona pandemic! Below you can see a few of the examples they have showcasing their study of how the gender discussion is super present in the things we produce and own.
Exploring the Permanent Exhibition at Museum der Dinge
The permanent exhibition at the museum, “Ideas and Objects,” features a selection of objects from the collection arranged thematically to illustrate the evolution of design trends and styles over time. With over 40,000 objects, including furniture, household items, toys, souveniers, industrial products, graphic design pieces, and general memorabilia, the exhibition offers an extensive collection to explore.
During my visit, I was mesmerized by the museum’s insightful exploration of various themes. These included the dynamic relationship between form and function, the profound impact of technology on design, and the pivotal role of design in shaping consumer culture.
We even spotted a huge celebrity for the German people. This guy here is Bernd das Brot, who hosts his very own TV show.
The show was produced by the German broadcaster KiKA and first aired in 2007 in the museum; he has one of the places of prominence in the museum’s permanent exhibition.
Temporary Exhibitions and Educational Programs at Museum der Ding
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Museum der Dinge hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase specific themes or design movements. The emphasis on education and research stood out to me during my visit.
The museum offers a range of educational programs and workshops for students and adults, as well as research facilities for scholars and researchers. It’s the perfect place to satisfy your intellectual curiosity, whether you’re interested in learning more about the history of design, the impact of technology on material culture, or the evolution of consumer culture.
My visit to the Museum der Dinge was a fascinating and enriching experience. The museum offers engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and research facilities, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in design, history, and culture.
For those planning a visit to Berlin, the Museum der Dinge should be at the top of their list. Whether you’re interested in the history of design, the impact of technology on material culture, or the evolution of consumer culture, the museum has something for everyone.
They even have an actual interesting shop to visit when you leave the exhibition where I got some ‘Dinge’ that was awesome and reminded me a lot about my childhood back in Brazil even though we are in Germany, making it clear in my mind that they do have all the things as a museum of things can have!
Museum der Dinge
Museum der Dinge – A Fascinating and Enriching Experience in Berlin
The museum’s address is Oranienstraße 25, 10999 Berlin, and it is open from 12 to 7 pm every day but Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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