The Suermondt Ludwig Museum is affectionately referred to as Aachen's own "Salon". The Villa Cassalette, a magnificent city palace dating from the 19th century, houses collections of priceless works of art. Its collection of medieval sculptures is superb, and one of the most prominent collections in all of Germany. And it also boasts an excellent range of late-Gothic German and Dutch panel paintings as well as works of Dutch Masters of the Baroque era. In addition, the Villa Cassalette is home to a small but exquisite collection of 19th-century and early 20th-century paintings, a gallery of prints and drawings and a comprehensive collection of arts and crafts items, the most precious of which are on show in the "Civic Cabinet of Arts and Curios".
Founded in 1877, this not-for-profit association promotes and sponsors the museums of the City of Aachen, art in the Aachen region and, in general, encounters with art through talks, excursions and guided tours. It supports exhibitions, acquisitions and restorations (e.g. through masterpiece-sponsorships) and endeavours to provide a forum for art lovers to exchange ideas and deepen their knowledge. Its regularly published brochures offer information in all its activities. Membership (20,00 to 70,00 Euro) affords free admission to Aachen's museums, discounts on admission fees to special exhibitions and exclusive previews.
