Museum Schnütgen

For some, the Middle Ages are considered dark; others are captivated by epic battles involving knights and castles, while a third group enjoys visiting medieval markets, knowledgeable about feudal systems and serfdom, witches and superstitions, or the plague and catastrophic living conditions. Yet, compared to the Renaissance, many regard the Middle Ages as artistically backward. Is this true?

Such a popular opinion is predictably superficial—and overlooks, in addition to the apparent works in architecture and liturgical objects, many masterpieces in book illumination or goldsmithing. Illuminated manuscripts such as richly adorned psalters or magnificent gospel books, and artfully crafted reliquaries made of gold and gemstones testify to the extraordinary artistry of this period. These works were used not only as religious objects but also as status symbols. At Museum Schnütgen, you have the opportunity to set aside this popular opinion: it holds one of the most extensive collections of sacred art in Europe.

A Worthwhile Visit: The Museum  

Most exhibits originate from the medieval Rhineland, created between the 11th and 15th centuries. Among the most significant pieces in the displayed collection is, for example, the Crucifix of St. George from the Salian period, crafted from willow wood and standing 189.5 cm tall, which was exhibited at the Expo 2000 in the Christ Pavilion. Or the Aachen Madonna, one of the museum's key artworks from around 1230, a roughly one-meter-tall sculpture made of oak, which also served as a reliquary container.

The museum's largest exhibition room itself has a history of more than 1,000 years—the Romanesque Church of St. Cecilia. It is one of Cologne's oldest churches and has housed the city museum since 1956. Another exhibition space is located in the adjacent cultural quarter. Overall, you can expect an exhibition area of about 1900 sqm.

About the Exhibition: 10% of about 13,000  

The collection of Museum Schnütgen is considered one of the finest and richest medieval art collections in Europe, featuring Romanesque and Gothic sculptures made of stone, treasures of precious metal, liturgical garments, and textiles spanning more than 1,000 years, as well as wooden images and ivory carvings. The actual collection is much larger than what is exhibited. Special exhibitions and new arrangements promise new insights into sacred art time and again—a definite reason to return.

Modern Concept: "Living Museum"  

Over the years, the presentation of the museum has continually evolved. The first exhibition in 1956 still showed the original collection concept by the founder Alexander Schnütgen as "type series." Several new presentation concepts followed. Since 2012, the exhibition has followed a modern approach that combines traditional and experimental elements. Established thematic groups like "Memento Mori" or "Cologne" have prominent places. Today, you find outstanding objects again in central locations within individual vitrines. The treasure chamber, the Ursula heads, and relic busts can be admired in the former sacristy. The Crucifix of St. George and the Aachen Madonna are also specifically repositioned.

Highlights of the Collection  

In addition to the Crucifix of St. George and the Aachen Madonna, there are several other remarkable pieces in the permanent exhibition that should not escape your attention: such as the Sword of Saint George from the first half of the 14th century, used as a ceremonial sword in negotiations. Or the approximately 30 Ursuline busts, characteristic of Cologne, with another 120 found in St. Ursula.

The Harrach Diptych, created around 800 at Charlemagne's court school, is one of the most important pieces among the ivory carvings at Museum Schnütgen. It depicts scenes from the four gospels of the New Testament. Additionally, there are several sacred books or parts of books, such as a book cover from the 12th century with an ivory relief from around the year 1000.

The museum also boasts one of the most significant collections of sacred stained glass in Europe. Visible are fragments from the windows of Cologne Cathedral and other churches, like the King's Head or even entire leaded glass windows, such as the one depicting the stoning of Saint Stephen. From the heyday of alabaster sculpture, there is an alabaster relief from the early 15th century showing the Annunciation to Mary. In 2021, the Great Calvary was further enriched with the acquisition of additional figures.

About the History: Alexander Schnütgen Collection  

The museum's namesake is Cathedral Chapter Alexander Schnütgen. In 1906, he donated his large collection of Christian sacred art to the city of Cologne. The collection was housed in his private residence: 500 panel and miniature paintings, 200 glass and reverse glass paintings, almost 600 sculptures, over 1000 metal objects, 400 leather items, 200 vestments, over 100 glasses and jugs, and 4000 textiles, embroideries, and lace. However, only a smaller part of the original collection remains today. Works have been auctioned, given to other museums, and new treasures added through donations and acquisitions or long-term loans. The museum's first curator, Fritz Witte, acquired the Crucifix of St. George probably in the 1920s.