Dear visitors,

Draiflessen’s theme for the 2026 exhibition year is “Collecting Ourselves.” 
For a museum, collecting is a key task alongside conservation, research, and education. But collecting is also a deeply human and therefore both individual and collective activity. Unconsciously, it allows us to interconnect the past, present, and future by preserving memories, sharing experiences, and thus leaving traces behind.
In 2026, we wish to use the impetus of our annual theme to follow the idea of collecting or organizing in our exhibitions and events, making connections visible.
The exhibition MIX & MATCH delves deep into our collections of art, family, and company history, placing the items in entirely new contexts and encouraging visitors to relate their own associations and memories to the objects on display.
LACE! reveals not only a carefully curated theme but also a collector’s personality: each individual shapes their collection through personal selection and perspective—and thus always tells a story about themselves.
Finally, the exhibition UNFOLDING MEMORIES shows that memories, as we find them manifested in photo albums, for example, are always subjective stories told through the selection of photos and their compilation.
“Collecting Ourselves” connects the exhibitions by asking what collecting reveals about us—as an institution, as a society, and as individuals.

We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Corinna Otto
Director, Draiflessen Collection