Der Palast der Projekte

About the museum

"The Palace of Projects" is a total installation by the artist couple Ilya (1933–2023) and Emilia Kabakov. It was previously shown in London (1998), Madrid (1999), and New York (2000), and has been housed in the former salt store of the Zollverein coking plant in Essen since 2001. The owner is the Stiftung Industriedenkmalpflege und Geschichtskultur, based in Dortmund; the work is looked after by the Stiftung Zollverein.

The snail-shell-shaped installation stands like a lantern in the otherwise dark salt store. Sixteen rooms house 61 projects by fictional people, each with a model and an explanatory commentary. The palace is divided into three parts: projects for improving the lives of other people, projects for stimulating creativity, and projects for self-perfection. Tables and chairs invite visitors to read the texts at leisure.

Because of events in the salt store, the palace is temporarily closed from time to time. Guided tours are offered; they introduce the Kabakovs' work and then invite visitors to discover it on their own.

Highlights

• Walk-through total installation by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov
• 16 rooms with 61 fictional projects for a better world
• In the salt store of the Zollverein coking plant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Admission by the "pay what you want" principle
• Guided tours at fixed times

Permanent exhibition

• The Palace of Projects – Walk-through total installation shown in the salt store since 2001, with 61 models of fictional projects spread across three themed areas in 16 rooms.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Stiftung Zollverein (Eigentümerin des Werks: Stiftung Industriedenkmalpflege und Geschichtskultur)

Admission & discounts

Admission follows the "pay what you want" principle: the amount is freely chosen.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Motorhomes may park in lot C between 09:00 and 20:00. The World Heritage site covers 100 hectares; the coking plant is separate from the Zeche (colliery).

Amenities & dining

Café and restaurant "die kokerei" on the coking plant grounds.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit