Kollwitz Museum Cologne

On April 22, 1985, the 40th anniversary of the artist's death, the first Käthe Kollwitz Museum was founded in Cologne. It is sponsored by the Kreissparkasse Köln, which laid the foundation for the collection in 1983 with the acquisition of drawings from the Kollwitz estate. 

Today, the collection comprises more than 300 drawings and over 550 prints, including more than 30 self-portraits. Highlights include special pieces from her early work, such as oil sketches and paintings by the young Kollwitz, as well as colored pastels, unexpected genre scenes in charcoal or ink, and studies for early prints. Some of the most expressive drawings date from her later creative phase, when the artist was primarily concerned with death. The series “A Weaver's Revolt,” “Peasants' War,” “War,” “Proletariat,” and “Death,” all of her series are present, which are considered milestones of 20th-century printmaking. In addition, there are informative proof prints that provide insight into the creative process behind the works, as well as all of her well-known, rarely preserved posters, for which Kollwitz put her art at the service of social engagement. Her sculptural work is also represented, as far as museums can acquire it—predominantly in early bronze and zinc casts created during the artist's lifetime. 

In addition to the constantly changing collection presentation, the museum shows special exhibitions related to the work of Käthe Kollwitz.