Rheinisches Landesmuseum, Bonn, Germany


The Rheinisches Landesmuseum is a themed museum which outlines the cultural history of the North Rhine-Westphalia region over a period of 40,000 years, from Neanderthal Man to present day; a chronology meticulously brought to life through the nine themes developed by the museography. The visit scenario offers several options according to the time available to the visitor, the type of visit (individual or group) and the level of detail required.


The visit begins with “Eras”, where the visitor discovers a time tunnel and the periods of history he is about to travel through. He then moves on to “Secrets behind the Works” which explains how the different works were investigated and the archaeological research methods used, with particular focus on Neanderthal Man.




The visit then goes on to explore religion and beliefs (“From gods to God” and “Death and beyond”) and “Powers” and their consequences, both negative and positive. “Rheinland and the world” explains the mobility and relationships the region enjoys thanks to the River Rhine and is followed by an environmental theme “From primary landscapes to urban landscapes”, a theme exploring technological innovation entitled “Living and surviving” and finally “Three artists – the Rheinland stage” which talks about the artists of the region and their influence.

The Rheinisches Landesmuseum sees itself as an educational museum, guiding the visitor through the past to contemporary culture with the threefold objective of information, education and enjoyment. The visitor resources, architecture and scenography rely on the interrelation between the collections and the multi-media delivery of the scientific content. Thus the museography places the visitor, young or old, academic or layperson, well-informed or inquisitive, at the centre of what becomes a unique visitor experience conducive to confrontation, examination, discussion, observation and enjoyment.



Extract from the film "Invoking the Gods". Muriel Meyer (aut., real.), Daniel Schmitt - Créamuse - Rheinisches Landesmuseum 2003 (prod.)


Maître d’ouvrage : Landschaftsverband Rheinland • Maîtrise d’oeuvre bâtiment : Architektengruppe (AGS), Stuttgart • Maîtrise d’oeuvre de l’aménagement intérieur, muséographie et médiation : Daniel Schmitt - Créamuse • Maîtrise d'oeuvre exécutive aménagement intérieur : Krumbe + Schäfer, Cologne • Réalisation : 1997 - 2003 • Surface : 7 000 m²