Frauenmuseum Bonn (Bonn Women's Museum), Bonn

The Bonn Women’s Museum holds the distinction of being the first museum in the world dedicated to women’s history and art. It was established in May 1981 by German artist Marianne Pitzen alongside a group of women from various disciplines. Originally housed in a former department store in Bonn’s Old Town, the museum exceeded initial expectations and became a lasting cultural institution. Still under Pitzen’s direction today, it operates through the association Women’s Museum – Art, Culture, Research.

Since its founding, the museum has hosted over 700 exhibitions, serving as a center for exploring women's art and history. Its rotating thematic shows, presented every 3 to 6 months, are developed in collaboration with contemporary female artists and researchers. These exhibitions address subjects such as single motherhood, feminism, gender politics, and queer identities. In addition to exhibitions, the museum organizes art fairs, design events, and book launches through its in-house publishing division, and it proudly awards the Gabriele Münter Prize, which honors women working in the visual arts.

The permanent collection and expansive library offer a deep dive into modern women’s art, featuring renowned names like Käthe Kollwitz, Valie Export, Maria Lassnig, Katharina Sieverding, and Yoko Ono. A lively archive educates visitors on women’s contributions to art, politics, and culture, from post-1945 movements and constructive art to feminist theory. The museum’s academy supports professional female artists through seminars, workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities.