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University and City Library of Cologne

Collect! What we collect.

24.09.2024 - 17.11.2024

The exhibition is dedicated to the colourful and diverse collecting that many people have been passionate about since childhood. Thimbles, Pokémon cards, gemstones, beer mats, clocks, fossils, porcelain figurines, matchboxes - the list goes on and on.

We show the diversity of collecting in our display cases and the people behind the coveted objects: Why is it precisely these things that someone collects? How did the passion begin and how do you organise your collection in your own home?

We are looking for your collections!

The exhibition lives from people who want to show their collections. Do you also collect something and would you like to take part? We will bring your treasures to our showcases and look forward to welcoming everyone!

Register now until 25 August at collectSpamProtectionub.uni-koeln.de

The exhibition was inspired by Ferdinand Franz Wallraf and his diverse collections, which still characterise Cologne's museum landscape today. The Cologne City Museum is also dedicating an exhibition to Wallraf's passion for collecting.

The digital part of "Collect! What we collect" is being organised in cooperation with the Cologne City Museum: Pictures of the private collection can be posted on Instagram and thus become part of the digital exhibition.

Practise early

Practise early

Many children are passionate collectors and have several collections at home.
Together

Together

The joy of collecting can be contagious - here students have collected bottle caps together.
Anything goes

Anything goes

They collect everything from golf balls and stickers to precious pearls and rare wine bottles.
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Exhibition opening

On Tuesday, 24 September, at 5 pm in the foyer of the USB

Impulse lecture by Dr Henrike Haug: Collecting personality(ies) - an art-historical look at collectors

Afterwards we invite you to music and drinks!

Admission

You can also visit the exhibition without a library card. Admission is free!

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 9 to midnight

Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 21

Contact