18.01.2019
Museum Europäischer Kulturen
In 2019 the Museum of European Cultures (MEK) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. MEK grew out of a merger of two collections that reunited in 1992: the European collection at the Museum für Völkerkunde (today the Ethnologisches Museum) and holdings from the former Museum für [Deutsche] Volkskunde (Museum of German Folklore).
On 24 June 1999 the new name was mounted above the door at the entrance, while the museum was still located at its former “Im Winkel” address. A lot has happened since then, both inside and out: The MEK has developed steadily. In a tradition that has continued at the museum’s current Dahlem location at Arnimallee 25 (since 2005), each year sees the addition of new objects to the collection and the opening of several exhibitions. The European Cultural Days were established in 2000 as a recurring summer series. Collaborations with communities have been strengthened and friendships with other museums and institutions fostered. The MEK is an open museum and an integral part of the Berlin museum landscape for visitors from a wide array of backgrounds – a museum of many homelands.
The MEK presents the diversity of everyday culture in Europe – and still has many plans for the future. Come celebrate 20 years of the MEK with us at numerous events, exhibition openings and during the European Cultural Days. To mark the special anniversary, this year’s theme features culinary encounters with diverse cultures.
