B{L}OOMING

Together with the Museum School Cologne, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the Wallraf invited all Cologne schoolchildren from primary school to vocational college to submit their own works of art on the exhibition theme "B(L)OOMING – Baroque Blossoms". Whether brush, mobile phone, camera or scissors – everything was allowed, and the response from young people was overwhelming: well over 200 drawings, paintings, fashion designs, photographs, ceramics, sculptures and large-scale objects were submitted. Under the title "B(L)OOMING NOW", these inspiring works will be on display in the museum's Baroque section from 21 March 2026. 

Many of the entries were accompanied by explanatory texts that provide fascinating insights into the minds of the young artists. Ecology and consumerism are addressed, but religious and philosophical ideas also inspire the young artists, who connect the finiteness of life, death and the afterlife with the fast pace of our times. The selection of works was also in young hands. Pupils developed their own criteria and judged the entries in a democratic process that took each work seriously. A tandem of curators from among the students ultimately conceived "B(L)OOMING NOW." They selected quotes and songs and wrote texts that invite the audience to consider flowers and their meaning in the context of our present day. Visitors are also invited to participate in the exhibition themselves.