Five years have passed since the opening of the Baukunstarchiv NRW on November 4, 2018. With the aim of “preserving – researching – exhibiting”, this cultural institution stages exhibitions that attract nationwide attention and hosts a vast variety of events on building culture. The Baukunstarchiv also boasts a comprehensive collection. As a result, it has become firmly established as a vibrant cultural center in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia.

It is famous for its sophisticated exhibitions. Initially conceived as a showcase for the collection, which now contains more than 100 lifetime and posthumous bequests of significant creators of the built environment from all over NRW, the portfolio has expanded considerably over time. It now covers topics ranging from architecture to engineering and design to the fine arts.

From the very beginning, the Baukunstarchiv has been more than a mere exhibition space or home for the growing collection: it is a place of debate and discussion where questions and issues relating to building culture are addressed, e.g. through diverse events such as panel discussions, educational activities, or celebrations.

To mark the anniversary, this publication aims to give a summary of five years of Baukunstarchiv NRW and of the broad range of projects that distinguish this institution today. In addition to an overview of all exhibitions, important new additions to the collection are presented, the significance of the Baukunstarchiv for the Ruhr district’s “circuit of industrial heritage sites” is highlighted, and insights into research and teaching are provided.