Clothes make the man—this saying held true centuries ago, perhaps even more so than today. Yet fashion and clothing are not static; they evolve alongside society. The Von Parish Costume Library in Nymphenburg offers you a glimpse into the evolution of European costume design and is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in fashion and its history. You can regularly take part in guided tours of the library —and soon, admission will even be free.
Extensive collection
Following the example of her grandfather Rudolf Marggraf, Hermine von Parish Sr. began building her first collection of costume illustrations in 1906. Later, she introduced her daughter, Hermine Jr., to this field, and her daughter continued the collection. Beginning in 1936, the family lived in a villa at what is now 50 Kemnatenstraße, where the library remains to this day. Over time, a large collection of magazines, books, prints, and photographs accumulated, providing insight into the history and development of fashion. During World War II, a large portion of the collection fell victim to the Nazis, and Hermine von Parish worked to rebuild and expand it.
Together with her mother, she ran a private art school, for which the collected works were used to prepare lessons. In 1970, Hermine Jr. finally donated the collection to the City of Munich to ensure the library’s continued existence. Since then, it has been part of the Munich City Museum and, unlike the art school, still exists today. It is still housed in the Art Nouveau villa in Nymphenburg, where Richard Strauss once gave house concerts. The music salon with its Steinway grand piano still exists, and there are plans to hold concerts there again in the future. Until then, however, the library is open to the public for tours and research.
The Von Parish Costume Library Today
Today, the Von Parish Costume Library comprises around 15,000 books, 32,000 photographs, 41,000 individual periodicals, and numerous prints, taking you on a journey through fashion history from the 16th to the 19th century. The materials are organized into 16 categories, such as key figures in fashion, materials and techniques, the history of fashion, and regional studies. The focus is primarily on European costume, but clothing from other continents is also represented.
The Von Parish Costume Library is one of only about 20 of its kind in the world, offering you a truly unique experience. If you’d like to use it for research purposes, you can do so on-site after registering in advance. Items cannot be checked out. In addition, guided tours of the library are held regularly, during which you can learn more about its history and admire the magnificent living quarters of the Von Parish family. Normally, there is an admission fee for the tours, but on Open Monument Day, Sunday, September 13, you can participate for free. All you need to do is register in advance.
