Pillar 1:
Ecological transition in the field of culture

Priority 6:
Improving the energy efficiency of cultural buildings

Sustainability is an essential component of Essen’s Folkwang Museum. Guided by its “Green Museum” mission statement, the museum strives to align its operations with climate-friendly and sustainable practices, with a focus on modernizing the building’s technical systems.  

In 2020, the cooling systems were replaced with modern technology powered by green electricity and featuring a free-cooling function. This reduced natural gas consumption by approximately 40 to 50 per cent. The energy supply is supplemented by a 237 kWp photovoltaic system installed in 2022, the electricity from which is used entirely within the museum.  After converting the heating and steam supply to modern heat pump technology in 2024, the museum is now powered entirely by renewable energy. The perennial plantings around the museum building, the green roof and the bird conservation measure all contribute to preserving biodiversity in the inner-city area.  

Since 2022, the cross-departmental Sustainability Working Group has driven this transformation from within the institution, developing measures, promoting knowledge sharing, and implementing projects aimed at conserving resources.  

The museum incorporated the “Klimaticket” in 2024, which lets visitors voluntarily contribute an extra €1 on top of the admission fee for regional sustainability projects of the Bonnekamp Foundation that combine organic farming, biodiversity, inclusion, and environmental education.