Mint – Bistro, Café, Bar & Catering

Concept & Culinary Philosophy

Mint represents a thoughtful fusion of gastronomy and contemporary art, positioned strategically within the ZKM's light-filled foyer. The bistro operates under the philosophy that exceptional food is homemade, with a commitment to freshness, health-consciousness, and regional sustainability. The kitchen team, led by culinary professionals, sources ingredients predominantly from local suppliers and maintains a private garden to supplement seasonal offerings. This approach ensures that the menu evolves naturally with the seasons, reflecting what is freshest and most flavorful at any given time.

Menu & Dining Offerings

The weekly-changing menu showcases versatility across multiple meal formats. Lunchtime service (Wednesday to Friday, 12:00–14:00) features a rotating selection of soups, salads, pasta dishes, and classic preparations with modern interpretations. Signature items include homemade focaccia with creative toppings such as vegan aubergine-peanut cream, grilled vegetables, and pesto. The café excels in handcrafted beverages: specialty coffees from in-house roasting, homemade hot chocolate, smoothies, iced tea, and fresh lemonades. The pastry selection, produced entirely in-house, includes cakes, tarts, sweet pastries, desserts, and artisanal pralines. Dietary accommodations are seamlessly integrated: vegetarian and vegan options feature prominently in daily offerings, while gluten-free and lactose-free preparations are available upon request.

Baking Courses & Culinary Experiences

Mint offers structured baking courses led by master pastry chefs, lasting approximately 2.5 hours and priced at 85 euros per participant. The fee includes samples to take home, Prosecco, and both hot and cold beverages. These courses cover various thematic focuses and require advance registration via email. Additionally, the venue provides catering services through Marcus Böker, who specializes in cooking classes, gourmet events, and custom catering arrangements.

Events & Celebrations

The spacious foyer accommodates events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. Birthday celebrations can be arranged during museum hours with decorated tables and tiered packages: sweet options (muffin with beverages at 7.00 euros per child), savoury options (pasta dish with beverages at 11.50 euros per child), or combined packages at 13.50 euros per child. Custom cakes and tarts are available starting at 45 euros. The venue supports events with block and banquet seating for up to 500 guests or standing receptions for up to 800 people. Catering options include finger foods, snacks, plated menus, and buffets for birthdays, family celebrations, corporate events, conferences, and anniversaries. Events can be scheduled outside regular operating hours upon arrangement.

Atmosphere & Design

Located within the ZKM's architectural framework, Mint benefits from the institution's modern, light-filled design aesthetic. The foyer setting creates an open, gallery-like ambiance that encourages both quick visits and extended stays. The environment balances contemporary minimalism with warmth, reflecting the artistic context while maintaining approachability for diverse visitor demographics.

Operational Details & Accessibility

Mint operates Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00–17:00, Friday to Sunday from 11:00–18:00. The venue is closed Monday and Tuesday. As part of the ZKM complex, it benefits from the museum's infrastructure, including parking facilities and accessibility accommodations. The establishment welcomes families with children's portions available across the menu, making it suitable for multi-generational visits.