The ZKM unites all media and artistic genres: Thematic exhibitions showcase space-based arts such as painting, photography and sculpture, but above all time-based arts such as film, video, media art, music, dance, theater and performance.
The ZKM was founded in 1989 with the mission of continuing the classical arts into the digital age. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the "electronic or digital Bauhaus". Presentation and production are complemented by the museum's traditional task of preserving works of art. Today, the ZKM is a globally unique cultural institution, a place of learning and research - for its artists, scientists and visitors.
In addition to presenting art, the ZKM has taken on the task of creating conditions for the creation of art. This is why the ZKM is home to the Hertz Laboratory, where scientific research, development and production take place. In this production activity, the ZKM differs from other institutions and is therefore called a center and not a museum.
The ZKM collection and archives comprise works and documents from the 20th and 21st centuries. By combining all artistic genres in one collection - from painting, sculpture, video art, performance and computer-based works to music - it is possible to gain a diverse perspective on the art and history of the 20th and 21st centuries. The special feature of the collection is its focus on electronic art. The collection of video art is one of the largest in Europe and the computer art collection is the largest of its kind in the world.
Exhibitions & Events
Since 1989, the ZKM has been setting global standards in the development of interactive, participative and performative exhibitions and associated publications with international appeal. In changing thematic and monographic exhibitions, current developments in art and society have been presented in all media forms and processes from oil painting to apps on around 15,000 m2 of exhibition space since 1997.
With concerts, readings, film screenings, artist talks, conferences, panel discussions and much more, the ZKM not only hosts exciting exhibitions, but also a wide variety of events.
The ZKM is observing the rapid changes in the digital society and deriving new formats that facilitate access to artistic and scientific content. For years, digital and analog media have been used as equally as possible in the ZKM's educational projects, because it is no longer a question of whether "digital media" should be used, but how, when and why.
Research
Scientists and artists from all over the world find ideal conditions at the ZKM to realize theoretical and practical projects. Through international cooperation with other museums, universities and publishing houses, the ZKM is not only connected to the latest developments in art and science, but also sets new focal points itself, which are taken up worldwide.
