Lippenstift-Museum (Lipstick Museum) René Koch

It is one of the most unusual exhibitions in Berlin: the make-up artist René Koch personally brings you the history of lipstick. The Lipstick Museum is housed on the chic premises of a private flat. The collection is extensive and shows you rarities from the Baroque period up until today. The collection includes precious stone-studded lipsticks, historical make-up cases and former everyday products such as the DDR people's lipstick. Insider knowledge, anecdotes and make-up tips are also on offer.

From the Baroque over the roaring '20s to the present: "Red lips are for kissing"

Lipstick Museum René Koch shows that red lips are not only to be kissed, they also want to last. His private collection has been open to the public since 2009, and there are more than 250 exhibits here. They include lipsticks and advertising from more than 200 years, luxurious make-up cases and even some dresses worn by Marlene Dietrich. On the walls are images of historical film-makers from the silent film and early sound film era with famous divas. Classic songs play in the background, providing the right atmosphere. Particular rarities are the lipsticks of the Baroque era and lip colour from Japan or Africa. In its present form, the lipstick has only existed since the 19th century. The museum curator likes to tell about the development of the product - and the associated change in how women presented themselves. Another highlight is the more than 150 kiss prints of great divas of film and television history. Among those represented are Hildegard Knef, Mireille Mathieu, Bonnie Tyler and others. From other personalities like Evita Perón or Paloma Picasso, you can see whole lipstick collections and make-up utensils. If you would like to learn more, join René Koch's make-up workshops.

This is what awaits you at the Lipstick Museum

• Japanese make-up pouch from the 18th century with lip brushes, silver case, and woodblock printing.
• Silver container with rouge and snuff bottle (around 1800).
• Historical lipstick mould from the early 30s.
• Popular everyday products such as the DDR people's lipstick.
• Over 150 lip prints of celebrities.

Other highlights nearby

About 15 minutes by bus or train from the Lipstick Museum is the Museum der Unerhörten Dinge (Museum of Unheard Things) on Crellestraße. This museum shows you a collection of curious objects from everyday life, art, technology and science. The owner, Roland Albrecht, exhibits things that are real and some that are fictitious. The Schwules Museum (gay museum) in Lützowstraße is also a quarter-hour bus ride away. The LGBTIQ scene has been part of life and culture since the 1980s, and the museum is among the largest and most important of its kind in the world.

visitBerlin recommendations for your visit

Lippenstift-Museum René Koch is located in the private rooms of René Koch. It is located between the two underground stations Berliner Straße and Bayerischer Platz. These can be reached using lines U4, U7 or U9. Alternatively, the bus to use is 104. It is only about a 5 minute walk from both metro stations to the museum. For a visit to the Lipstick Museum please make an appointment in advance and you will be received by René Koch personally. Group tours for up to 15 people are also possible. You can also enjoy beauty workshops and lectures.