About the Förderkreis
The Förderkreis BraunSammlung e.V. was founded in 2005 as a nonprofit association. It is dedicated to the preservation, care and promotion of the unique Braun design heritage in Kronberg im Taunus.
Our Purpose
Cultural Promotion
Promoting cultural engagement through the operation of the BraunSammlung with over 300 exhibits on 450m².
Ambassadors
Members see themselves as ambassadors of the BraunSammlung — including on an international level.
Education & Outreach
Organizing tours, lectures and events focused on technology and design.
Archive Preservation
Volunteer maintenance and continuation of the Braun Archive with around 10,000 products and 3,000 unique items.
From Vision to Institution
- Pre-2004
The Braun Archive
The Braun Archive, whose development began over 50 years ago, comprised around 10,000 products — including nearly 3,000 unique items from over 90 years of company history. Maintained by Horst Kaupp, it was housed in a warehouse in Offenbach. At the Darmstadt Mathildenhöhe, a permanent Braun Design collection had existed since 1990 at the 'Institut für Neue Technische Form' under the care of Ingeborg and Michael Schneider.
- 2004
The Vision
In September 2004, Braun's management visited the Offenbach archive on the initiative of Peter Schneider. Everyone realized what treasures were hidden on the shelves. They agreed to make the collection accessible to the public. First contacts with the city of Kronberg led to an official welcome of the project in December. The WesterbachCenter next to the Braun Campus was chosen as the location.
- 2005
The Founding
On August 29, 2005 — exactly 50 years after Braun Design's groundbreaking debut at the Düsseldorf radio exhibition — the BraunSammlung opened its doors. The Förderkreis BraunSammlung e.V. was founded in parallel as a nonprofit association. On approximately 450m², visitors could explore a permanent exhibition with over 300 exhibits.
- 2010
The Renewal
The exhibition was fundamentally redesigned by Oliver Grabes, head of the Braun Design department, and his team. With new display cases and new technology, the exhibits could be presented in a contemporary context.
- Today
A Living Community
Since its founding, the association has gained over 200 members — active and former Braun employees, designers, engineers, as well as friends of Braun design from Germany and abroad. Through volunteer work, they keep Braun's exemplary company history alive.
People
Honorary Members
Board
Magdalena De Gasperi
Vorsitzende
Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Schamberg
Stellv. Vorsitzender & Schatzmeister
Prof. Oliver Grabes
Kurator für Inhalte und Gestaltung
Sonja Klinger
Schriftführerin
Advisory Board
U. Milutzki
Braun Technikgeschichte
D. Lubs
Braun Designgeschichte
M. De Gasperi
Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Dr. Rüdiger Marsch
Vereinsrecht
Become one of more than 200 members.
Join Now