Hetjens-Museum

The Hetjens-Museum opened in 1909 as a municipal museum on the basis of the legacy of Laurenz Heinrich Hetjens (1830-1906). Hetjens, an industrialist and art collector, donated to the city, amongst others, a considerable collection of Rhenish stoneware, which formed the foundation of the present museum. Over the years, the collection was expanded through donations and selective purchases to present 8000 years of ceramics history. A unique museum developed, uniting under one roof ceramic products from across all continents. From early Anatolian vessels from the time around 6000 B.C. to antique vases, Italian majolica, picture tiles, East Asian porcelain, and contemporary ceramics, the permanent collection presents a wide range of ceramics. Apart from utilitarian objects, there are unique pieces of accomplished craftsmanship with extravagant decorations, and three-dimensional works. The departments are divided by regions of origin and types of ceramic: early periods and antiquity, Africa, Pre-Colombia, earthenware and stoneware from Europe, Islam, European faiences, East Asia, porcelain from European manufactures, and 20th-century ceramics. The largest object is a cupola from Multan (today Pakistan). The total present inventory comprises over 20.000 pieces. A large part of the collection is accessible to the public on the 8.500 sqm exhibition surface.