Bilderbuchmuseum

In the historic setting of Burg Wissem in Troisdorf is the Picture Book Museum, unique of its kind in Europe and devoted to the artful design of picture books.

The museum is housed in Burg Wissem, a striking red neoclassical building erected in 1840 that incorporates structural fabric from the 16th century. Its location near the city forest and several animal enclosures makes Burg Wissem, together with the Picture Book Museum, a popular destination for outings.

The basis of the collection was a donation from 1982: a Troisdorf merchant transferred to the city an extensive private collection that included historical original illustrations as well as modern picture books. The museum in the castle was created to make these holdings accessible to the public.

The exhibition programme focuses on artistic picture-book illustration as well as historical and contemporary picture books and artists' books. Two years after its founding the museum also became the venue for the Troisdorfer Bilderbuchpreis; this prize is awarded every two years at the museum and helps define the institution’s profile.