IMM Cologne closed on 20 January, but there’s still a good reason to go to the German city. The exhibition Isn’t it Romantic? opened alongside the international furniture fair at the MAKK in Cologne and will close during ART Cologne on 21 April.

Romanticism, an artistic era in the 19th century, is usually only looked back upon, most often not in a friendly manner. Romanticism is seen as ‘dreamy’ and kitsch, especially compared to the modernism that has shaped our daily life.

Still, this exhibition in Cologne is about contemporary, romantic design. Over the past years, a fashionable desire for romanticism seems to have developed. The exhibit tries to explore this longing for beauty. harmony and a place of fulfilment.

Designers such as Philippe Starck, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Patricia Urquiola,Hella Jongerius, Martino Gamper, Doshi Levien, Tord Boontje and Jaime Hayonare represented at MAKK.

Isn’t it Romantic? will be at the Museum of Applied Art Cologne until 21 April 2013.