August-Macke-Haus

Current exhibitions

About the museum

August Macke lived with his family in this late Neoclassical house on the corner of Bornheimer Straße and Hochstadenring from early 1911 until he was called up for military service in August 1914. His wife Elisabeth's family had given them the building, constructed in 1877/78; Macke had the attic converted into a bright studio, where many of his best-known paintings were created. After his early death in World War I, the house long remained in the family's possession, and Elisabeth returned to the studio in 1948.

After her death in 1978, the house was sold and was at risk of being turned into a restaurant. Civic engagement prevented this: in 1989, the City of Bonn acquired the building with help from the state and a private sponsor, placed it under monument protection, and reconstructed the studio. The house opened to visitors in 1991; over the following decades, the small museum staged more than 80 exhibitions on Rhenish Expressionism.

After a renovation in 2010/11, a modern extension about three times the size was built in 2015–2017, with a special exhibition floor, studio, library, café, rooftop terrace, and step-free access; the expanded museum opened on December 3, 2017. Since then, the historic house with its 14 rooms has been devoted entirely to Macke, displaying more than 100 original works, furniture, and documents. The museum receives no public subsidies and is run by a nonprofit company owned by the Verein and the Stiftung August Macke Haus.

Highlights

• Original attic studio where Macke worked from 1911 to 1914
• More than 100 original works in 14 rooms of the residence
• Audio guide with a tour from Elisabeth Macke's perspective
• Museum garden based on motifs from Macke's garden paintings
• Changing special exhibitions on Expressionism and contemporary art

Permanent exhibitions

• August Macke 1887–1914 – Multimedia exhibition in the 14 rooms of the former home and studio, with original works, furniture, and documents on the painter's life, family, and work.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Museum August Macke Haus gGmbH (Gesellschafter: Verein August Macke Haus e. V. und Stiftung August Macke Haus der Sparkasse in Bonn)

Director

Friederike Voßkamp

Admission & discounts

Admission includes the audio guide, is valid all day, and covers the artist's house and the current special exhibition (except during exhibition changeovers). Free for members of the Verein August Macke Haus, Deutscher Museumsbund, ICOM, Verband für Kunstgeschichte, NRW-Stiftung, the press, companions, and visitors on their birthday. Public guided tours €5 plus admission; group tour (60 min.) €70, combined tour (90 min.) €100, in a foreign language €80 per group plus admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All levels and rooms are accessible by wheelchair and rollator (access to the historic house via the extension). Free loaner wheelchairs at the ticket desk (can be reserved). Accessible restroom in the basement, accessible parking space in the museum parking lot at Bornheimer Str. 98–100. Seating in all rooms. Companion booklet in Braille; tours and workshops for people with support and assistance needs on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family tours with a hand puppet, “Kunstpause mit Baby” (art break with baby, up to 18 months), children's, family, and holiday workshops; children's birthday parties (2.5 hours, max. 12 children). Audio guide with a children's track and discovery booklet (€1.50); baby changing table in the basement.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Museum café on the first floor (35 seats inside, 12 on the terrace), also accessible without visiting the museum; hours Wed 12:00–16:30, Thu 12:00–17:30, Fri 12:00–16:30, Sat/Sun/public holidays 11:00–16:30. Museum garden and rooftop terrace. Museum shop with online shop. Coat check and lockers in the basement.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 120 guests.

Exclusive receptions and events outside opening hours for up to 120 people: event hall, foyer, garden, and rooftop terrace in the extension. Children's birthday parties and adult birthday parties in the studio (€150 each, max. 12 people).

Plan your visit