The Italian nobility already used fabric wallcoverings in their homes as early as in the 14th century. The German Wallpaper Museum in Kassel illustrates how home interiors have evolved since then. Its huge collection of wallcoverings contains over 23,000 objects – from a 500-year-old gold leather wallpaper to the latest contemporary non-woven designs. The collection not only appeals to members of the public who are interested in wallpaper; historic building conservation offices or organisations tasked with the conservation and management of historic palaces also often ask the museum for help when they find historic wallpapers they would like to restore.

The museum was established in 1923 on the initiative of several wallpaper manufacturers who wanted to document their industry's traditions, and viewed wallpaper as a domestic design and cultural object that deserved exhibition. Many of the manufacturers contributed valuable exhibits from their own collections.

A contemporary new building for the permanent exhibition is currently under construction in Kassel. For the time being, the collection is therefore only accessible via the online catalogue or during special exhibitions.