Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf

The Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf is the city history museum of Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, at Berger Allee 2 on the edge of the Altstadt, close to the Rhine. It presents the development of the city from its origins as a small settlement on the Düssel stream, through the grant of town rights in 1288 by the Counts of Berg, to its time as a ducal and electoral residence, its growth in the industrial age and its rebuilding after the Second World War. The museum's collection goes back to civic collections begun in the 19th century and today includes paintings, prints, maps, models, craft objects, documents, photographs and everyday items related to the city. Visitors will find views of old Düsseldorf, material linked to rulers such as Jan Wellem, objects from trades and guilds, and sections that follow the city's role as a centre of art, fashion, trade and administration. The curatorial approach combines a chronological route with thematic rooms, so that visitors can follow the sequence of events and also look at specific topics such as daily life, craftsmanship, politics or the city's relationship with the Rhine. Temporary exhibitions add new perspectives on local history. The building has been adapted for museum use and the displays have been updated over time. Opening hours are generally Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday closed, and the admission fee should be confirmed at duesseldorf.de. The museum is a short walk from the Rathaus, the Stadterhebungsmonument and the Rhine promenade, and it is a good starting point for understanding the sights of the Altstadt. Most labels are in German, though some information may be available in English, so check in advance for guides or leaflets.