Couven Museum, Aachen

The Couven Museum serves up a delightful journey into the decorative arts and daily life of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Housed in a picturesque townhouse right in the heart of the city, it’s a feast for the eyes. You’ll discover a perfect mix of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical styles, showcasing the refined tastes of Aachen’s well-heeled merchant class.

Expect to be dazzled by the furniture—ornately carved chairs, elegant tables, and stately cabinets that evoke a bygone world. The porcelain and silverware, much of it crafted by local artisans, remind you that Aachen wasn’t just a spa town; it was a center of artistry and craftsmanship.

One of the museum’s most interesting features is its fully restored 18th-century pharmacy. This exhibit features an array of pharmaceutical equipment, medicine jars, and recipes for remedies from a time when herbs and potions ruled the day. Even the wooden shelving and counters have been restored to transport you straight into a vintage apothecary.

The building itself, dating to the 1660s, has its own rich history. After multiple renovations, the museum was established here in the 1950s and named in honor of the famed Aachen architect, Johann Joseph Couven. Wandering the house’s halls feels like stepping into a time capsule, with beautifully decorated ceilings, painted panels, as well as period-appropriate furnishings.

And if that’s not enough, temporary exhibitions often complement the permanent collection, making each visit unique.