Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge, Photos: Armin Herrmann

At the heart of the exhibition ‘Milieu Things – Of Class and Taste‘ lies the question of how objects reveal social distinctions and shape our thinking about belonging, status, and taste. Whether the object is truffle oil, dumbbells or sports socks, the message is clear: things are never just functional; they also serve as symbols. They reflect power structures, provoke reactions and reveal lifestyles and value systems.

Objekte zwischen Status und Stil

The exhibition pairs material artefacts with sociological models, such as the class pyramid, Dahrendorf’s house, and the ‘potato graphic’. Together, these models offer a multi-layered picture of how income, education and occupation are intertwined with values, mindsets and cultural codes.

Audio commentaries from invited experts, including individuals offering migrant, Black, and anti-ableist perspectives, complement the curatorial narrative, offering insights into personal and societal experiences.

A thematic prologue in the museum’s permanent collection explores the influence of the Deutscher Werkbund on ideas about class and taste. The exhibition’s scope is further expanded by artistic contributions from Verena Brakonier, Josephine Findeisen, and rampe:aktion.

‘Milieu Matters’ is accompanied by a programme of readings and talks featuring authors such as Daniela Dröscher, Ciani-Sophia Hoeder, and Christian Baron. The museum also offers an educational programme comprising workshops, guided tours, and presentations.