Museum Folkwang - a person sitting on a bench in front of a building
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Museum Folkwang

4.7
·4k reviews·Essen, Germany

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Museum Folkwang - a person sitting on a bench in front of a building

Museum Folkwang

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(4k reviews)

"The permanent exhibition is free. You can find art from Andy Warhol, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Mondrian, etc."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Masterpieces of Impressionism

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

German Expressionist Gems

Permanent Collection

Discover powerful pieces from German Expressionists, showcasing a pivotal movement in modern art.

Modern and Contemporary 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"

Van Gogh's "The Potato Eaters"

Permanent Collection

A highlight of the permanent collection, this powerful painting by Van Gogh is a must-see.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Permanent Collection Access

Enjoy the extensive permanent collection at Museum Folkwang without an admission fee! Temporary exhibitions do require a ticket, so plan your visit accordingly if you're keen to see special displays. Instagram

Plan for Temporary Exhibitions

While the permanent collection is free, special temporary exhibitions at Museum Folkwang have a separate ticket cost. Check their schedule in advance to decide if you want to include these in your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Beautiful museum that costs absolutely NOTHING (except for temporary exhbitions) 😲 📍MUSEUM FOLKWANG in ESSEN (this city is so cool its name translates as "food") I can't believe I have been living here for so long and it was the first time I visited this museum's exhbition (I had only been there for an event before). The permanent exhbition of Folkwang museum is FREE, every day, FOR EVERYONE. Th...
capybeas
95 likes • 8.4K views

🎯 Free Permanent Collection!

Enjoy the vast permanent collection for free – a fantastic value for art lovers! InstagramReddit

🎟️ Temporary Exhibition Tickets

Purchase tickets at the entrance for special temporary exhibitions. Reddit

📍Museum Folkwang Museumsplatz 1, 45128 Essen Di-Sa 10.00-18.00 #гарнімісця #traveltips #ausflugsziel #travelgermany #visitnrw #kostelos #düsseldorf #traveleurope✈️
violetta.entinger
6 likes • 376 views
An afternoon at the beautiful Folkwang museum in Essen with @sabine_broekmann 🎨🩷 The permanent collection features a broad range of artworks, including masterpieces by French artists like Renoir and Monet, as well as works by Minimalists and American artists such as Richard Serra, Donald Judd, and Kenneth Noland. It also includes pieces by the renowned video artists Ulrike Rosenbach and Nam June...
carabroekmann
28 likes • 549 views

📚 Art Library & Reading Room

Utilize the library for art books or find a quiet spot to study. Reddit

📸 Photography Allowed (Check Rules)

Capture the art, but be mindful of any specific photography restrictions. Instagram

Heute rauschen wir mit euch durchs Osthaus Museum Hagen 🕺 💨 Hin zum Werk von Christian Rohlfs, der um 1903 „Das Interieur des Museum Folkwang Hagen“ im neoimpressionistischen Stil festhielt. Die Magie des Raums, die das Bild ausstrahlt, könnt ihr noch heute im alten Bauteil des Osthaus Museum spüren. Entdeckt die Sammlungen der 21 RuhrKunstMuseen in der Ausstellung „21 x 21. Die RuhrKunstMuseen ...
ruhrkultur.jetzt
115 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Permanent Collection!

Enjoy the vast permanent collection for free – a fantastic value for art lovers! InstagramReddit

🎟️ Temporary Exhibition Tickets

Purchase tickets at the entrance for special temporary exhibitions. Reddit

📚 Art Library & Reading Room

Utilize the library for art books or find a quiet spot to study. Reddit

📸 Photography Allowed (Check Rules)

Capture the art, but be mindful of any specific photography restrictions. Instagram

☕ Terrace Café-Restaurant

Relax and refuel at the café-restaurant located on the terrace. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

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

Free permanent collection
Impressive art selection
Unique architecture

What People Dislike

Temporary exhibition cost

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, Museum Folkwang is accessible from Düsseldorf. The journey typically involves a train ride to Essen, followed by local public transport to the museum. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The permanent collection at Museum Folkwang is free to visit! However, temporary exhibitions require a separate ticket purchase. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Since the permanent collection is free, discounts primarily apply to temporary exhibitions. Check the museum's website for potential student, senior, or group rates. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

The museum boasts a rich collection spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, including Impressionist masterpieces, German Expressionists, modern art, and contemporary installations. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

The museum is designed with interjecting reading and rest areas, encouraging visitors to wander and discover at their own pace. Reddit

The museum features exciting architecture that blends interior and exterior spaces, with exhibition halls designed like a maze to enhance the discovery experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a café-restaurant located on the terrace next to the museum, offering a place to relax and dine. Reddit

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. Reddit

The museum's terrace café offers dining options. Additionally, the surrounding Essen area has various restaurants and eateries to explore. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography is permitted for personal use in the permanent collection, but always look for signage indicating restricted areas or specific exhibition rules. Instagram

Yes, flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Some temporary exhibitions may have complete bans on photography. Instagram

The museum's architecture itself is quite photogenic, and the diverse artworks, from Impressionist landscapes to modern installations, offer numerous opportunities for striking photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Museum Folkwang offers a fantastic free permanent collection, making it an accessible outing for families. While the art might appeal more to older children and teens, the museum's maze-like layout can be an engaging element for younger ones to explore. Consider focusing on specific, visually striking pieces or using the rest areas for breaks. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Museum Folkwang is a dream for budget travelers, as its permanent collection is completely free to access! This means you can immerse yourself in world-class art without spending a euro on admission. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students

For serious art lovers and students, Museum Folkwang is a must-visit. The extensive permanent collection provides a deep dive into Impressionism, German Expressionism, and modern art. The museum's library, with its wealth of art books, offers an invaluable resource for research and study. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Folkwang Collection: A Journey Through Art History

Museum Folkwang's permanent collection is a treasure trove, offering a comprehensive overview of art from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. Visitors can marvel at Impressionist masterpieces by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, experiencing the vibrant brushstrokes and light that defined the era. The collection also prominently features German Expressionism, showcasing the raw emotion and bold styles of artists who sought to express inner feelings rather than external reality. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Architectural Marvel and Visitor Experience

The Museum Folkwang is not just about its art; its architecture is an integral part of the visitor experience. The design deliberately combines interior and exterior spaces, creating a fluid and engaging environment. The exhibition halls are intentionally laid out as a maze, encouraging a sense of discovery and exploration as visitors navigate through the galleries. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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