Museum Folkwang
Explore world-class art from Impressionism to modern masters in a stunning architectural setting. Free permanent collection!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Museum Folkwang
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore world-class art from Impressionism to modern masters in a stunning architectural setting. Free permanent collection!
"The permanent exhibition is free. You can find art from Andy Warhol, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Mondrian, etc."
🎯 Free Permanent Collection!
Enjoy the vast permanent collection for free – a fantastic value for art lovers!
🎟️ Temporary Exhibition Tickets
Purchase tickets at the entrance for special temporary exhibitions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Masterpieces of Impressionism
Permanent Collection
Gaze upon iconic works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas, bringing the beauty of French Impressionism to life.

German Expressionist Gems
Permanent Collection
Discover powerful pieces from German Expressionists, showcasing a pivotal movement in modern art.

Modern and Contemporary Art
Permanent Collection
Explore diverse installations and artworks from Minimalists to American artists like Richard Serra.
Van Gogh's "The Potato Eaters"
Permanent Collection
A highlight of the permanent collection, this powerful painting by Van Gogh is a must-see.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Permanent Collection Access
Plan for Temporary Exhibitions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Permanent Collection!
Enjoy the vast permanent collection for free – a fantastic value for art lovers!
🎟️ Temporary Exhibition Tickets
Purchase tickets at the entrance for special temporary exhibitions.
📚 Art Library & Reading Room
Utilize the library for art books or find a quiet spot to study.
📸 Photography Allowed (Check Rules)
Capture the art, but be mindful of any specific photography restrictions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Permanent Collection!
Enjoy the vast permanent collection for free – a fantastic value for art lovers!
🎟️ Temporary Exhibition Tickets
Purchase tickets at the entrance for special temporary exhibitions.
📚 Art Library & Reading Room
Utilize the library for art books or find a quiet spot to study.
📸 Photography Allowed (Check Rules)
Capture the art, but be mindful of any specific photography restrictions.
☕ Terrace Café-Restaurant
Relax and refuel at the café-restaurant located on the terrace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Museum Folkwang, particularly praising the free access to its impressive permanent collection featuring renowned artists. The architecture and layout are often highlighted as unique and engaging, though some find temporary exhibitions pricey. It's a highly recommended cultural gem in Essen.
"Te permanent exhibition is free. You can find art from Andy Warhol, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Mondrian, etc. And many contemporary artwork.
If you want to visit the temporary expositions. You can buy your ticket in the entrance :)
Also, the museum shop has interesting stuff to see or buy 🤩"
Gicela Carvantes
"Enjoyable experience of modern art (the 1860s to the 1970s) with informative notes. Includes Dali, Magritte, Van Gogh among many others.
I particularly liked various installations.
A leisurely stroll through the exhibits took me about two hours, but I can imagine spending more time in this museum, especially because the photo collection was closed at the time of my visit.
The main collection is open for free.
There is a café-restaurant on the terrace next to the museum. The museum shop has gifts and a lot, a whole library worth of art books. There is also an actual library (reading room) to sit and study art books."
Natalia Postrigan
"Very nice museum. Free to visit except for the temporary exhibitions."
Debby Lakerveld
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Museum Folkwang is located at Museumsplatz 1, 45128 Essen. It's easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive via tram or bus, with stops conveniently located near the museum.
While specific parking details can vary, there are typically parking facilities available in the vicinity of the museum. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or use public transport to avoid any hassle.
Yes, Museum Folkwang is accessible from Düsseldorf. The journey typically involves a train ride to Essen, followed by local public transport to the museum.
For a day trip, consider using regional trains to reach Essen, then switch to local trams or buses directly to Museum Folkwang. This is often the most efficient and cost-effective method.
The closest major transport hub is Essen Hauptbahnhof (main station), from which you can easily connect to local trams and buses heading towards Museum Folkwang.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The permanent collection at Museum Folkwang is free to visit! However, temporary exhibitions require a separate ticket purchase.
Ticket prices for temporary exhibitions vary. You can purchase them directly at the museum's entrance. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for current pricing.
Museum Folkwang is typically open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's always a good idea to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit.
While the permanent collection is free, tickets for temporary exhibitions can usually be purchased at the museum. Online booking options might be available for special events or popular exhibitions, so check their website.
Since the permanent collection is free, discounts primarily apply to temporary exhibitions. Check the museum's website for potential student, senior, or group rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A leisurely stroll through the permanent collection can take about two hours, but you could easily spend more time, especially if you delve into the photo collection or a temporary exhibition.
The museum boasts a rich collection spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, including Impressionist masterpieces, German Expressionists, modern art, and contemporary installations.
Yes, Museum Folkwang offers many visually appealing artworks and an interesting architectural design. While photography is generally allowed, always check for specific restrictions in certain areas or for temporary exhibitions.
The museum is designed with interjecting reading and rest areas, encouraging visitors to wander and discover at their own pace.
The museum features exciting architecture that blends interior and exterior spaces, with exhibition halls designed like a maze to enhance the discovery experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a café-restaurant located on the terrace next to the museum, offering a place to relax and dine.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls of museums. It's best to enjoy your meals at the designated café-restaurant or outside the museum.
The museum's terrace café offers dining options. Additionally, the surrounding Essen area has various restaurants and eateries to explore.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use in the permanent collection, but always look for signage indicating restricted areas or specific exhibition rules.
Yes, flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Some temporary exhibitions may have complete bans on photography.
The museum's architecture itself is quite photogenic, and the diverse artworks, from Impressionist landscapes to modern installations, offer numerous opportunities for striking photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for artworks with vibrant colors or interesting shapes that might capture a child's imagination. The museum shop also offers potential souvenirs. Remember to check for any temporary exhibitions that might be particularly family-friendly, though these will incur an additional cost.
💰 Budget Travelers
While temporary exhibitions have a fee, you can still have a rich and fulfilling experience by focusing on the vast permanent collection. Pack a picnic to enjoy outside or utilize the affordable café-restaurant for a budget-friendly meal. The free library is also a great resource for art lovers on a budget.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students
Take advantage of the free entry to the permanent collection to spend ample time with the artworks. Consider visiting during quieter weekday mornings to have a more intimate experience. The architectural design itself, with its focus on discovery, can also be a subject of study.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Folkwang Collection: A Journey Through Art History
Beyond these core areas, the museum extends its reach into Modern and Contemporary Art, including works by Minimalists and American artists like Richard Serra. This diverse range ensures that there's something to captivate every art enthusiast. The inclusion of works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte further enriches the visitor experience, making Museum Folkwang a significant cultural landmark.
One of the most celebrated pieces within the permanent collection is Vincent van Gogh's "The Potato Eaters," a powerful and early work that offers insight into the artist's social commentary. The museum's commitment to making this extensive collection accessible for free is a remarkable gift to art lovers and the community.
Architectural Marvel and Visitor Experience
This thoughtful design extends to the inclusion of reading and rest areas throughout the museum. These spaces are strategically placed to allow visitors to pause, reflect on the art, and recharge, making a visit more comfortable and immersive. The museum's layout aims to entice visitors to simply wander and discover, fostering a more personal connection with the artworks.
The museum's commitment to visitor comfort is also evident in its amenities. A café-restaurant on the terrace provides a pleasant spot to enjoy refreshments with a view, while the museum shop offers a curated selection of art books and gifts. For those seeking a quieter environment, an actual library with a reading room is available for in-depth study of art books.
Social
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