ENTERTAINMENT

Unlocking History Through Smell: A Unique Museum Experience

Düsseldorf, GermanyWed Oct 29 2025

In Düsseldorf, Germany, a groundbreaking museum exhibition is inviting visitors to experience history through an entirely new sense—smell.

A Journey Through Time, One Scent at a Time

"The Secret Power of Scents" at the Kunstpalast museum offers a unique exploration of over a thousand years of cultural history by engaging visitors' sense of smell. The exhibition features 81 different fragrances, each tied to a specific piece of art or historical period.

Highlights of the Exhibition

  • Middle Ages: Sacred scents that transport visitors to a bygone era.
  • Roaring Twenties: Bold aromas that capture the spirit of the time.
  • World War I: A visceral experience with the scent of gunpowder, blood, and sulfur.
  • Love and Passion: A room featuring a painting by Peter Paul Rubens, filled with the aroma of roses and civet.
  • Modern Culture: Familiar smells like Coca-Cola and the relaxing scent used by Eurowings.
  • Modern Fragrance Molecules: Discover the science behind scents designed to make wearers more attractive.

A New Way to Engage with Art and History

The exhibition, curated by Robert Müller-Grünow, is the first of its kind to integrate scents so thoroughly into a museum setting. Visitors like Kirsten Gnoth have found the addition of scents to make the collection feel fresh and exciting.

Exhibition Details

  • Location: Kunstpalast museum, Düsseldorf, Germany
  • Duration: Through March 8

questions

    How accurate are the recreated scents in representing historical periods and events?
    Are the scents being used to subtly influence political or cultural opinions?
    Would visitors prefer to smell the 'odor of love' or the 'stench of medieval Paris'?

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