Applied Arts Collection

The Applied Arts Collection was established at the DHM in 1991. The core of the collection consisted of approximately 3,500 objects taken over from the MfDG’s Material Culture collection – predominantly objects of rather modest quality. Since then, the DHM has systematically acquired high-quality objects that reflect the changing economic and social conditions across various periods of German and European history. The collection encompasses a wide range of materials and genres, including objects made of stone, porcelain, enamel, glass, lacquer, wood and ivory, silver and goldsmith’s work, pewter and cast iron art, miniatures, furniture, and contemporary design. These provide insights into manufacturing processes, distribution systems, monopolies, and cross-border interconnections. Many objects have conspicuous links to specific individuals and/or historical events. The collection spans a chronological range from antiquity through the Middle Ages to the present day.