Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge

In 1907, a dream of a “Lebensreform” took root in Germany. This dream manifested itself in the Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge, a place we stand before today. The Werkbund, an alliance of artists, industrialists, and cultural influencers, sought to reshape the world through design. They championed quality, practicality, functionality, and sustainability in industrial products, architecture, and living spaces. The Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge carries this torch, preserving and interpreting the material culture of the 20th and 21st centuries. This museum isn’t just a repository of the past. It’s a reflection of how industrial mass production has shaped our modern lives. Since the 1970s, the Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge has amassed a collection of approximately 25,000 objects. Each piece tells a story of our evolving relationship with everyday things. The museum moved to its new home on Leipziger Straße in May 2024. A new permanent exhibition opened on November 9, 2024, showcasing the evolution of design and its impact on our lives. The Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge offers a unique perspective. It bridges the gap between historical design movements and their contemporary relevance. The museum invites us to consider the objects that surround us, not just as things, but as reflections of our values and aspirations. It is a journey through time, a testament to the power of design, and a call to consider the future we are shaping.