Film Museum

Dusseldorf’s Film Museum opened in 1993 and has become one of the city’s most popular attractions. Four floors house the permanent collection of over 10,000 exhibits, while a programme of visiting exhibitions and other special events offers year-round variety.

The ground floor displays introduce you to many famous films and their stars, with costumes, posters, photographs and memorabilia tracing the history of cinema throughout the ages. Make your way up to the next floor to see the fascinating exhibition of shadow puppetry and learn how this art developed from primitive beginnings in the 13th century to the more sophisticated techniques of the 19th century that anticipated the special visual effects of the golden age of film. Some of the cameras and projectors on display are over a century old.

The third floor is devoted to the science of sound effects, and also explores the economic and political nuts and bolts of the film industry. Finally, more historic costumes, set designs and scripts make up the bulk of the exhibits on the top floor, along with a fascinating examination of the latest 3D technology that is revolutionising the viewing experience of today’s cinema audiences.

Films are shown regularly in the Black Box cinema, while silent movies are accompanied by live organ music just as they were in the good old days. You can check showing times and other details on the museum’s official website, as well as information about talks and special events. Guided tours, which enable you to tour the museum in the hands of an expert and get the most from your visit, take place on the first Wednesday of every month and can be booked on the website.

The Film Museum is in the old town, a short walk from Marktplatz and the Rhine Promenade, or you can take the tram to Benrather Strasse or Heinrich-Heine-Allee. Pay parking is available nearby. Opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, except for certain public holidays. Admission is free for under-18s.