Cologne children are now helping to design the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum!

Cologne children are now helping to design the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum!

The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne is breaking new ground. An advisory board made up of children, teenagers and young adults will be founded to bring the perspectives of younger generations to the museum. According to that Cologne City Gazette The advisory board currently consists of eight members. This initiative is special because after a one-year trial period, the advisory board will be permanently active in the museum. The project stands out as the first of its kind in Cologne and aims to strengthen cultural participation among children.

But what motivated the museum's artistic director, Nanette Snoep, to do this? Over 58% of Cologne residents under the age of 18 have an international biography. This diversity must be experienced in the museum. The advisory board members therefore receive exclusive insights, including into depots and restoration workshops, and also receive a certificate for their commitment. The active members include the young people Lili Madouri, Laribell Hana and Anzhelika Bohatzka, who were approached through the Integrationshaus association.

First step towards a more child-friendly museum

The advisory board has already developed a child-friendly tour. The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum, which 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 3,600 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 younger visitors will also be enthusiastic.

The advisory board meets monthly, and interested parties between the ages of 8 and 22 can apply at any time - without any special requirements. The aim is to integrate the 1,400 square meter “Space4Kids” play and learning room 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 focus

This project is in line with a broader program to strengthen diversity and cultural participation in museums launched by the Cultural Foundation of the States was approved. Approved in July 2024, this initiative will run for five years and consists of various modules that support organizing and program development. A series of conferences is being planned to promote intercultural exchange and discussion about the future of museums.

Culture is not just for adults. With its new advisory board, the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum shows that there is also space for the voices of younger people to actively participate in shaping their cultural world.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays and special days. The ticket prices are fair; For example, a single ticket for the permanent exhibition costs 7 euros, reduced price 4.50 euros. Getting there is easy as the museum is centrally located and has good public transport connections. There are also reduced prices for people with severe disabilities, which makes participation easier.

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