The exhibition is dedicated to two outstanding protagonists of the Aesthetic Movement, whose cult of beauty provided a significant impulse for the emergence of modern design. Based on the exemplary connection between art, design, and lifestyle cultivated by Godwin and Wilde, the show highlights the aesthetic and social foundations of a movement that remained influential beyond the 19th century and had a decisive impact on the development of design.

Edward William Godwin (1833–1886) was one of the most radical and influential designers in Victorian England. The writer Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was a close friend of Godwin. As an iconic figure of Victorian England, he shaped the spirit of his era between dandyism and decadence. Godwin and Wilde were kindred spirits whose artistic work reflected a broad education and an extraordinary thirst for knowledge. Both aimed for an aesthetic permeation of daily life and its transmutation into art.

A catalog for the exhibition will be published by Wienand Verlag. Supported by Ernst von Siemens Kunststiftung.

Media partners: Wall GmbH, radio3, Dinamix, tip, The Berliner

Curators: Dr. Tobias Hoffmann, Fabian Reifferscheidt M.A., Theresa Augustin M.A.

Exhibition design: Katleen Arthen

Advertising motif: Gerwin Schmidt, 2026

Program for the Exhibition

Opening of the Exhibition
Wed, Apr 1, 6 PM, free entry, no registration required

Free Public Tours (plus museum admission)
Every Saturday at 3 PM, no registration required

The public art tour on April 11th has been canceled. We appreciate your understanding.

Digital Curator Tour
Mon, April 13, 6 PM – Live tour on Instagram @broehan_museum

Watch it now!

Free Public Tour for Berlin Design Week 2026 (plus museum admission)
Fri, May 29, 4 PM, no registration required

Free “Family Sundays”
Every 3rd Sunday of the month, 11 AM, for children (ages 5–12) and their families, 90 min.
Registration required: vermittlung@broehan-museum.de, Tel: +49 30 32690625

Summer Festival
Fri, Jun 12, from 6 PM

Long Night of Museums
Sat, Aug 29, from 6 PM

Happy Wednesday
Reduced entry every first Wednesday of the month

Bookable Group Tours
We offer tailored tours for our exhibitions – from group tours and curator-led tours to exclusive evening tours.
Duration: 60 min, Prices: €80 / €120 / €200 (plus museum admission)
More info and registration: www.broehan-museum.de/vermittlung

Support the Bröhan Museum
Every contribution helps us realize high-quality exhibitions, expand our educational programs, and carry out restorations.
More info on donations: https://www.broehan-museum.de/spende/