The opening of the Museum of Surkanda-Ludwig – city art Museum in Aachen took place in 1883. At the same time the Museum received the first part of its name after its founder Bartold of Surkanda. In 1901 significantly expanded the exposition was moved to the Villa Cassolette" on the wilhelmstraße, where it is now.

The Museum collection is constantly replenished, not least thanks to the many donations of eminent citizens of Aachen. In honor of the largest donors, spouses Irene and Peter Ludwig in 1977, the Museum received the second part of its name. The last major expansion of the exposition by donors occurred in 1992-1994.

Today, the Museum of Surkanda-Ludwig owns an outstanding collection of art works from antiquity to mid-20th century, including one of the most important collections in Germany medieval sculpture. The Museum exhibition are paintings of the late Gothic style and Baroque, romantic and classical modernism. In addition, the Museum has significant collections of copper engravings, paintings on glass, works of ancient art, art library.

The staff of the Museum of Surkanda-Ludwig hosts a variety of educational lectures, exhibitions of contemporary art and other activities. In recent years there has been active work to return to the Museum of the values exported in the post-war period in the USSR.