The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum in Cologne holds one of the most comprehensive ethnological collections in Europe. The task is to show a representative extract of the huge collection in an unconvential way, inviting the visitor to embark on a journey of exploration that is as amazing as it is informative.

A dramaturgically staged parcours lets the visitors perceive the exhibition as a dynamic sequence of individual, themed chapters that open up access to the diverse “Cultures of the World”. A total of nine themes are addressed from two main vantage points: “Understanding the World” and “Shaping the World”. The exhibition reveals and displays itself in content-generated spatial narratives. A fascinating sequence of varied spatial experiences, integrating different types of interaction, is offered. Each room has its specific style.

The museum’s concept has attracted a great deal of attention from international experts. It is an unusual concept for ethnological museums, realised for the first time offering perspectives for future museum concepts e.g. for the Humboldt-Forum in Berlin.

The visitors are full of enthusiasm for the exhibition. They feel that it personally appeals to them. It addresses different target groups. Insight is offered through interaction.