Opening of the Museum Ludwig Syurmonda - City Art Museum in Aachen - took place in 1883. At the same time the museum received the first part of its name in honor of its founder Barthold Syurmonda. In 1901 significantly expand the exhibition was moved to the mansion "Villa Kassalette" on the street Wilhelmstrasse, where there is now.

The museum's collection is constantly replenished, not least thanks to numerous donations of eminent citizens of Aachen. In honor of the biggest donors, the couple Irene and Peter Ludwig, in 1977, the museum received the second part of its name. The last major expansion of the exhibition was due to donors in 1992-1994.

Today Syurmonda Museum Ludwig owns a collection of outstanding works of art from antiquity to the mid-20th century, including one of the most important German collections of medieval sculpture. Museum exhibits paintings are late Gothic and baroque, romantic and classic modern. In addition, the museum has significant collections of copper engravings, glass painting, ancient art, art library.

Museum staff Syurmonda Ludwig held various educational lectures, exhibitions of contemporary art and other activities. In recent years, active work is underway to return to the museum property removed in the post-war period in the Soviet Union.