The Institute Hall
Featuring Schöner Kosmetik · Since 1929
One salon.
One school.
One institution of German skincare.
Section 02 · Exhibition Introduction
1929
Wall Text · Plate II
Munich, 1929.
Before professional skincare existed as a discipline, a young cosmetician in Munich began formulating her own creams — and building the institution that would teach generations how to care for skin.
This hall explores the cultural and educational foundation of German professional skincare through Schöner Kosmetik — a Munich institution whose story is inseparable from the story of CURATED BY NAFORMA.
Section 04 · The Archive
The Schöner Archive.
An archive of professional skincare culture. The following entries trace the evolution of Schöner Kosmetik — from a small Munich beauty salon to one of Germany's longest-standing skincare institutions.
- Entry 011929
Catalogue · 01/04
The Beginning in Munich
At the onset of the global economic crisis, Ella Schöner opened a beauty salon in central Munich.
Unable to find products that met her standards, she began creating her own formulations using herbs and carefully developed cream textures.
What began as a salon soon became the foundation of a new German skincare tradition.
- Entry 021930s
Catalogue · 02/04
Nature & Formulation
Inspired by botanical ingredients and practical skincare needs, Ella Schöner developed her own cosmetic line.
Many formulations drew inspiration from natural ingredients and reflected a belief that skincare should support the skin rather than overwhelm it.
- Entry 031950s–1980s
Catalogue · 03/04
The Education of Beauty
Schöner expanded beyond products and became a centre for professional beauty education.
Its school contributed to the professionalisation of the German beauty industry and helped shape generations of cosmeticians.
- Entry 04Today
Catalogue · 04/04
A Living Institution
Now in its third generation, Schöner remains one of Germany's oldest skincare companies.
Its legacy is not only found in products, but in the culture of professional skincare, education and formulation that continues today.
Section 06 · Permanent Exhibition
The Evolution
of CURATED BY NAFORMA.
NAFORMA documents more than a century of German skincare culture, scientific discovery and formulation expertise.
Through archives, institutions, formulations and historical records, NAFORMA explores the ideas, principles and traditions that have shaped G-Beauty across generations.
Ritual of Care · 1882
Drag the jar to walk through the eras
The Future
Scroll horizontally · Six eras · A civilization of German skincare
Permanent Exhibition · CURATED BY NAFORMA
Section 07 · Institute Recommendation
Curated From This Institution.
A single object selected from the Schöner 1929 institute heritage — presented here as an exhibition piece, not a product on a shelf.
Object · 01Institute Recommendation · Made in Germany
Essenz No.27
A Century of Science. A Touch of Serenity.
Revitalizing Facial Serum developed in the Schöner 1929 institute tradition. A contemporary expression of nearly a century of skin-science research, presented here as the curated object of this hall.
- Origin
- Schöner · 1929
- Format
- 50 ml · Facial Serum
Section 08 · Curator's Note
Why This Hall Matters.
NAFORMA selected Schöner Kosmetik as the second hall of the CURATED BY NAFORMA because it represents the institutional foundation of German professional skincare — a culture of formulation, education and craft that has shaped the industry for nearly a century.
This hall is not simply the story of one salon.
It is a window into how German skincare became a profession.
Curated in Germany · NAFORMA · Hall II of IV
