Museum Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts), Frankfurt

The Museum of Applied Arts, also known as MAK (an abbreviation of the Museum Angewandte Kunst), is a place dedicated to showcasing art and craft objects that serve practical purposes. The museum boasts a vast collection of over 30,000 pieces from both European and Asian decorative arts.

Back in 1877, the MAK started as a museum focusing on crafts. It was established by the Central German Handicrafts Association and became a repository for items from more than 50 private collectors. Unfortunately, the building endured significant damage during both World Wars. However, the collection was meticulously preserved to benefit future generations. After the wars, these collections were temporarily housed in various places, including a Carmelite Convent, until they finally found a permanent home in the Villa Metzler.

The current director, Annaliese Ohm, played a pivotal role in the creation of the new building that now houses the Museum of Applied Arts. This modern MAK building was designed by the American architect Richard Meier.

Inside the museum, you can explore an array of exhibits, such as Chinese Lacquer, art deco artifacts, and contemporary collections of applied arts and crafts. Initially, the museum's focus was on furniture, glassware, and ceramics, but over time, it has expanded to include product design and information design exhibits. The museum also boasts an impressive library stocked with books authored by leading experts in the field of applied arts.

Why You Should Visit:
Great place to check out if you're interested in industrial and product design.
The building itself is pretty impressive – space & daylight work well together.

Tip:
With a Museumsufer ticket you get free access to over 30 museums for 48 hrs, this one included!