Hetjens Museum, Dusseldorf

The Hetjens Museum in Dusseldorf is a unique institution dedicated exclusively to ceramics, offering a sweeping journey through 8,000 years of ceramic history from around the world. Founded in 1909 based on the collection of Laurenz Heinrich Hetjens, a prominent collector and expert in Rhine stoneware, the museum today houses an impressive 20,000 pieces that span Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and beyond. Located in the Carlstadt district near the Film Museum, the Hetjens Museum is known for its breadth and depth, covering nearly every ceramic tradition imaginable.

With 8,500 square meters of exhibition space, the museum is arranged by region and type, offering visitors an organized exploration of ceramic styles and traditions. Highlights include ancient and pre-Columbian ceramics, intricate Islamic pottery, an extensive porcelain collection, and a dedicated Asia department, updated in 2018. Notable pieces include early Anatolian vessels from 6000 B.C., Italian majolica, and East Asian porcelain, along with an exceptional cupola from Multan, Pakistan.

The museum’s evolving special exhibitions add fresh perspectives to the collection, often accompanied by catalogs and workshops where visitors can try their hand at clay work. For enthusiasts of ceramics and history alike, the Hetjens Museum stands out as a true global showcase of the art and utility of ceramics through the ages.