# Wallraf–Richartz Museum

> art museum in Cologne, Germany

**Wikidata**: [Q700959](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q700959)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallraf–Richartz_Museum)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wallrafrichartz-museum

## Summary
The Wallraf–Richartz Museum is an art museum located in Cologne, Germany, founded in 1824 by Ferdinand Franz Wallraf, a German botanist, mathematician, theologian, and art collector. It is one of the oldest public art museums in the world and is known for its extensive collection of European paintings, particularly from the 17th and 18th centuries.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded on January 1, 1824, by Ferdinand Franz Wallraf.
- **Location**: Situated in the Altstadt-Nord district of Cologne, Germany.
- **Classification**: An art museum specializing in European paintings.
- **Aliases**: Also known as the Wallraf Museum, Wallraf Richartz Museum, Fondation Corboud, Corboud Foundation, and Wallraf-Richartz-Museum.
- **Website**: Official websites include [http://wallraf.museum](http://wallraf.museum) and [https://museenkoeln.de/portal/Wallraf-Richartz-Museum](https://museenkoeln.de/portal/Wallraf-Richartz-Museum).
- **Coordinates**: Located at latitude 50.9375 and longitude 6.958611.
- **Affiliation**: Associated with Max Jakob Friedländer, a German curator and art historian.
- **Collection Highlight**: Features the painting *Self-portrait as Zeuxis Laughing* by Rembrandt, created between 1663 and 1668.

## FAQs
- **What type of art does the Wallraf–Richartz Museum specialize in?** The museum primarily focuses on European paintings, particularly from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- **Who founded the Wallraf–Richartz Museum?** The museum was founded by Ferdinand Franz Wallraf, a German botanist, mathematician, theologian, and art collector, in 1824.
- **Where is the Wallraf–Richartz Museum located?** The museum is situated in the Altstadt-Nord district of Cologne, Germany.
- **What are some notable works in the museum’s collection?** The museum houses the painting *Self-portrait as Zeuxis Laughing* by Rembrandt, created between 1663 and 1668.
- **Who is Max Jakob Friedländer, and how is he related to the museum?** Max Jakob Friedländer was a German curator and art historian associated with the Wallraf–Richartz Museum.

## Why It Matters
The Wallraf–Richartz Museum holds significant cultural and historical importance as one of the oldest public art museums in the world. Its extensive collection of European paintings, particularly from the 17th and 18th centuries, provides valuable insights into artistic developments during these periods. The museum’s founding by Ferdinand Franz Wallraf underscores its role in preserving and showcasing art collections for public appreciation. Additionally, its affiliation with notable figures like Max Jakob Friedländer highlights its contributions to the field of art history and curation.

## Notable For
- Being one of the oldest public art museums in the world, founded in 1824.
- Housing the painting *Self-portrait as Zeuxis Laughing* by Rembrandt, created between 1663 and 1668.
- Specializing in European paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Being associated with Max Jakob Friedländer, a prominent German curator and art historian.

## Body
### History
The Wallraf–Richartz Museum was founded in 1824 by Ferdinand Franz Wallraf, a German botanist, mathematician, theologian, and art collector. Wallraf’s extensive personal collection of European paintings formed the core of the museum’s exhibits. The museum’s inception marked a significant milestone in the preservation and public display of art collections.

### Location and Infrastructure
The museum is located in the Altstadt-Nord district of Cologne, Germany, at coordinates 50.9375 latitude and 6.958611 longitude. Its strategic placement in the city center ensures accessibility for visitors.

### Collection and Exhibits
The museum’s collection includes European paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable works include *Self-portrait as Zeuxis Laughing* by Rembrandt, created between 1663 and 1668. These pieces provide a comprehensive overview of artistic developments during these periods.

### Affiliations and Collaborations
The Wallraf–Richartz Museum is associated with Max Jakob Friedländer, a German curator and art historian. Friedländer’s contributions to the museum’s curatorial practices and art historical research have enriched the institution’s offerings.

### Cultural Significance
As one of the oldest public art museums in the world, the Wallraf–Richartz Museum plays a crucial role in cultural heritage preservation. Its collection and exhibits continue to attract art enthusiasts and scholars, fostering a deeper appreciation for European art history.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. directory of German Library Codes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. [Heinz Kisters: Der Mann, bei dem Konrad Adenauer Kunst kaufte. Heinz Kisters: Der Mann, bei dem Konrad Adenauer Kunst kaufte](https://www.derstandard.de/story/2000073535363/heinz-kisters-der-mann-bei-dem-konrad-adenauer-kunst-kaufte)
8. [2017 war ein Erfolgsjahr für die städtischen Museen](http://www.stadt-koeln.de/politik-und-verwaltung/presse/2017-war-ein-erfolgsjahr-fuer-die-staedtischen-museen)
9. [Source](https://www.wallraf.museum/das-museum/geschichte/historie/)
10. GeoNames
11. GRID Release 2019-10-06
12. data.kunsten.be
13. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aipro.php)