Cologne children are now shaping the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum!

Cologne children are now shaping the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum!

The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne is breaking new ground. An advisory board of children, adolescents and young adults is founded who brings the perspectives of the younger generations to the museum. According to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger , the advisory board currently consists of eight members. This initiative is special, because after a one -year test phase, the advisory board should be permanently active in the museum. The project is the first of its kind in Cologne and aims to strengthen the cultural participation in children.

But what did the museum artistic director, Nanette Snoep, prompt? Over 58% of Cologne under the age of 18 have an international biography. This diversity must be experienced in the museum. Therefore, the advisory board members receive exclusive insights, including in depots and restoration workshops, and also receive a certificate for their commitment. Active members include young people Lili Madouri, Laribell Hana and Anzhelika Bozazka, who were addressed via the Integration House association.

First step for a more child -friendly museum

The advisory board has already developed a child -friendly lead. The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum, which was opened in 1906 and is based on the collection of the world traveler Wilhelm Joest, offers a variety of topics such as living, religion and rituals from different cultures on 3600 square meters. There are around 65,000 objects, 100,000 photographs and 40,000 specialist books to discover. The youngest members should help to make the museum more child -friendly and attractive, so that the little visitors are also enthusiastic.

The advisory board meets monthly and interested parties between the ages of 8 and 22 can report at any time - without special requirements. The aim is to integrate the 1400 square meter play and learning room "Space4Kids" into the permanent exhibition and thus create a comprehensive experience for young visitors. If you have any questions about the project, you can contact Joanna Sinoplu.

cultural participation in the focus

This project is in line with a broader program to strengthen diversity and cultural participation in museums, which was approved by the Cultural Foundation of the Länder . Approved in July 2024, this initiative will run over five years and consists of various modules that support organization and program development. A conference series is planned that promotes intercultural exchange and discussion about the future of the museums.

culture is not only made for adults. With its new advisory board, the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum shows that there is also space for the votes of the younger ones to actively participate in the design of their cultural world.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended opening times on Thursday and special days. The ticket prices are fairly designed; For example, a single ticket for the permanent exhibition costs 7 euros, reduced 4.50 euros. The journey is easy because the museum is centrally located and good connections to public transport has good connections. There are also reduced prices for people with severe disabilities, which makes participation easier.

The advisory board and its activities can set new impulses and make it clear: cultural participation begins in childhood.