Peruse beautifully presented galleries of contemporary design objects when you explore the Red Dot Design Museum. As one of three Red Dot Design institutions in the world, Essen joins Singapore and Taipei in the forefront of the field in showcasing interesting objects from the everyday to the unusual. About 2,000 exhibits feature objects and products from 45 different countries, highlighting new innovations in design. Just as impressive as the galleries, the museum’s location within the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex highlights the intriguing industrial design of Essen’s former coal mine.
Walk toward the Red Dot Design Museum and be awed by the Zeche Zollverein building’s stunning symmetry. Built in the 1920s to be used as a boiler house for the city’s coal mine complex, the World Heritage-Listed building combines Bauhaus symmetry with industrial simplicity. Enter the building and begin exploring over 43,000 square feet (4,000 square meters) of exhibition space.
Check out intriguing displays of products and objects. You’ll be taken on a journey through current trends and innovations from everyday kitchenware to elegant contemporary lighting design. Design icons from the present day are also on display, with features on the technology brands we use every day. Look for an ultra-light gyroplane, innovations in sailboat design and fascinating new directions in communication technology.
Investigate some of the museum’s special exhibitions, which host temporary displays of design items. In July, see a showcase of the products that have been awarded the year’s Red Dot Awards. Visit the world-class hub in autumn to see new exhibitions that focus on the award-winning products from the communication design competition.
The Red Dot Design Museum is located in Essen’s northeastern region and can be reached by tram from the city’s main railway hub within 20 minutes. There is an admission fee, with free entrance for children under the age of 12. Visit on Friday for pay-what-you-feel admission. Book a guided tour in English to gain a better insight into the displays and the themes of the exhibitions. The museum is open every day except Mondays, Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and New Year’s Day.
