House Rules

The Kollwitz Museum Köln is a place of democratic values and is committed to polyphony, participation, diversity and mutual respect as the basis of a free and open society. Accordingly, the Käthe Kollwitz Museum Köln takes a clear stand against racism, anti-Semitism, sexism, ableism, violence and discrimination based on age, religious belief, sexual orientation or any other grounds.

1. Interaction in the museum

We ask that you behave in such a way that you do not hinder or disturb other people in the museum. It is forbidden to violate the freedom and dignity of others in word, writing or gesture (Art. 1 GG). Discriminatory remarks about origin, appearance, gender, sexual orientation, age or religious beliefs are particularly prohibited. Statements in words, writing or gestures that can be attributed to an undemocratic and/or inhumane worldview are also not permitted.

Clothing and costumes that are discriminatory or associated with the far right will not be tolerated. Any incidents that disrupt the museum’s work and operations will result in a ban from the premises and may be reported to the police. Persons belonging to extremist organisations, associated with extremist scenes, or who have committed inhumane acts in the past (e.g. racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, queerphobic, national-authoritarian or anti-feminist acts) may be expelled by museum staff and the respective organisers of the museum if their presence disrupts the museum’s operations in the sense of the house rules or affects the well-being of visitors and employees.

If you experience discrimination during your visit to the museum, the museum staff will be happy to assist you. We take your experience seriously. You can also send us your comments afterwards via email at museum@kollwitz.de.

2. Conduct in the museum, the exhibition rooms, the Kollwitz Forum and the Kollwitz Workshop

The Kollwitz Museum Köln has a responsibility to protect the objects on display and preserve them for future generations. Touching the exhibits and display cases is not permitted unless expressly allowed. The instructions of the museum staff must be followed.

In the event of defilement and/or damage to works of art and furnishings, all persons shall be liable in accordance with the general provisions of the Civil Code.

2.1. Cloakroom
Bulky items, such as umbrellas, rucksacks, bags larger than A4 size (approx. 20 x 30 cm) and coats or similar outerwear must be stored in the cloakroom area. For larger items such as suitcases, there is a separate, lockable room where these must be stored. Please contact the museum staff for assistance. A separate room on the ground floor is available for school classes and groups to store their belongings. The museum does not accept liability for items left in the cloakroom.

In addition to the fixed seating accommodations in the exhibition room, mobile folding stools are available. People with walking disabilities are, of course, welcome to bring walking aids with them. Wheelchair users will find further information on barrier-free visits on our website. You may bring your pram into the exhibition rooms. Animals are not permitted in the museum. Assistance animals are exempt from this rule.

2.2. Rules of conduct in the exhibition rooms
Please keep a safe distance of at least half a metre from the works of art on display. For your own safety, as well as that of all visitors and exhibits, running is not allowed in the exhibition rooms. Eating, drinking and smoking are also not permitted in the exhibition rooms. We also ask that you refrain from making phone calls in the exhibition rooms. Different rules may apply during exhibition openings and events.

For safety reasons, stairs, passageways and escape routes must always be kept clear. In the event of overcrowding or for other special reasons, the Käthe Kollwitz Museum Köln may close to visitors in whole or in part.

If you feel unwell or in the event of an emergency, please ask a member of staff for assistance.

2.3. Persons responsible for supervision
Children under the age of 12 are only allowed to enter the exhibition rooms under the supervision of an accompanying adult. Legal guardians, accompanying adults and teachers are responsible for the behaviour (see point 2) of their children and school groups.

2.4. Lost and found property
Please hand in any found property to the museum reception. It will be kept there for three months and then passed on to the Cologne Lost Property Office.

3. Instructions from museum staff

Persons who violate the house rules will be asked to leave the premises. In this case, the admission fee will not be refunded. In the event of repeated violations of the house rules, the museum may exercise its domiciliary rights and issue a temporary or permanent ban from the premises. 

4. Video recordings for security monitoring

The Kollwitz Museum Köln is monitored by video surveillance. The material is stored for 72 hours. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies here.

5. Photographing and filming in the museum

Photographing in the collection presentation is only permitted for private, non-commercial use. Filming in the exhibition rooms is not permitted. The use of flash, tripods and selfie sticks is prohibited. For copyright reasons, the museum may prohibit the taking of photographs of individual exhibits or parts of the exhibition. Photography is therefore prohibited in special exhibitions. Please observe the relevant notices in the exhibition rooms or enquire in advance with the museum staff. Photographers are responsible for protecting the copyright and personal rights of persons depicted. 

The literal reproduction of guided exhibition tour content, in whole or in part, in film, sound or printed form, is not permitted. At the request of the museum or persons depicted, photos must be removed from private websites, networks and Internet portals. Users are liable for any claims by third parties due to infringement of copyright, personal rights or other legitimate interests.

Photographing for purposes other than private use, as well as making audio and film recordings, is possible after prior notification and written approval from the museum’s press and public relations department.

For all film and photography enquiries, please contact museum@kollwitz.de.

6. Advertising and information materials from third parties

The affixing of posters, the distribution of flyers and the conducting of surveys are only permitted with the prior approval of the Kollwitz Museum Köln.