16 Best Museums in Cologne, Germany

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You are looking for the best museums in Cologne, Germany? You are in the right place!

As a resident of Cologne, Germany, I can attest to the city’s rich history and culture. Its impressive collection of museums showcase a wide variety of exhibits. Whether you are looking for prehistoric artifacts or contemporary art – it is all here.

In this blog post, I am excited to highlight the best museums in Cologne. Join me as we explore these remarkable institutions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…..

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NIGHT OF THE COLOGNE MUSEUMS

When visiting Cologne in fall, one event worth participating in is the Long Night of the Cologne Museums. This annual event, typically held in October, allows you to explore the city’s museums and cultural institutions late into the night.

During this event, participating museums extend their opening hours and offer special activities and events such as live music, art exhibitions, and workshops. With over 40 museums taking part, you can immerse yourself in Cologne’s rich cultural heritage and learn more about its history and art.

The Long Night of the Museums provides a shuttle bus service and public transportation to make it easy to get around the city and visit different museums. It’s a highly anticipated event in Cologne, offering a fun and festive atmosphere for people of all ages.

For anyone looking to experience the best of Cologne’s cultural heritage, the Long Night of the Museums is a must-visit.

BEST MUSEUMS IN COLOGNE, GERMANY

1. Chocolate Museum

Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne

Regardless of age, the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is an enjoyable destination to visit. Here, you can learn about the entire process of chocolate production, from bean to bar.

The most exciting part of the museum is undoubtedly the chocolate fountain. There you can indulge in a delectable treat by dipping biscuits into melted chocolate.

Additionally, you can purchase various types of chocolate from the museum’s shop to take home with you. Of particular note is the 1 kg bag of second-choice chocolates, which can be purchased here at a low price.

For those looking to unwind, the cafe provides a perfect atmosphere to enjoy a range of chocolate-based snacks and drinks.

Whether you are a chocolate enthusiast or seeking to discover more about this beloved treat, the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must-visit location.

2. Museum Ludwig

Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Cologne

Located in the vicinity of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, you will find Museum Ludwig, which is a museum of modern and contemporary art.

The museum houses an extensive and diverse collection of artistic treasures. These treasures include the largest Pop Art collection in Europe, a substantial compilation of Picasso’s work, pieces from the Russian avant-garde, and a selection of German Expressionism art.

The museum’s collection provides a glimpse into various significant trends of twentieth-century and contemporary art. The array of artworks on display offers an opportunity to appreciate art from different parts of the world.

If you’re a lover of modern and contemporary art, the Museum Ludwig is an absolute must-visit destination. With its collection, the museum has become a beacon of artistic excellence.

3. Romano-Germanic Museum

Address: Am Hof 23, 50667 Cologne

The Romano-Germanic Museum opened in 1974 on the site of a former Roman villa. It boasts a remarkable collection of prehistoric and Roman artifacts.

The museum was formed by merging two collections, the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, and the Roman Department of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.

The permanent exhibition showcases items that are over 100,000 years old, belonging to the first inhabitants of the region. The museum also displays objects from the era of village settlements and agricultural practices and the time of Roman rule.

You can marvel at a plethora of intriguing items, such as a statue of Emperor Augustus, a monumental structure, a stone arch, a collection of Roman glass, gold and amber jewelry.

For those with an interest in history or a desire to learn about ancient Cologne, the Romano-Germanic Museum is a perfect destination to explore.

4. Walraff Richartz Museum

Address: Obenmarspforten 40, 50667 Cologne

If you enjoy art, the Wallraf Richartz Museum is an excellent destination to explore.

The museum boasts a range of European art, featuring medieval paintings, Baroque masters, French Realism, and Impressionism. Notably, it houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist art in Germany, exhibiting works by world-renowned artists like Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh.

And in addition to enjoying the permanent collection and exhibitions, you can also indulge in the newly designed foyer, excellent café, and the museum shop with its diverse offerings.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a picturesque view, this museum has something for everyone.

5. Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum

Address: Cäcilienstraße 29-33, 50676 Cologne

The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum offers a fascinating opportunity to explore diverse cultures from around the globe. The museum boasts exhibitions, showcasing unique people and places, displaying a vast array of objects that people have used throughout history.

Additionally, the museum features a store where visitors can purchase books, toys, and souvenirs, while the café offers a space to enjoy a beverage or a snack.

Whether you’re passionate about history, or merely eager to learn something new, the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum is a must-visit destination!

6. German Sport & Olympic Museum

Address: Im Zollhafen 1, 50678 Cologne

If you have a passion for sports, the German Sport & Olympic Museum is an ideal destination.

The museum is housed in a historical customs hall beside the Rhine river. It provides an in-depth insight into the history of sports from ancient Greece to contemporary times.

The museum offers a range of exciting activities, including a trip to the roof, providing magnificent views of the river. You can also enjoy educational programs such as guided tours and team-building activities. The museum even hosts entertaining parties for kids.

If you’re seeking a fun and informative day out, the German Sport & Olympic Museum is an unforgettable experience.

7. NS-Documentation Center (Gestapo Museum)

Address: Appellhofpl. 23-25, 50667 Cologne

For those with a keen interest in the darf period of the Nazi regime, the NS Documentation Center is an excellent destination. Within its walls, you can immerse themselves in the history of Germany during the Nazi rule.

The center features exhibitions that are dedicated to resistance movements and the individuals who made attempts to counter the Nazis, including Graf von Stauffenberg. As a German army officer, he played a pivotal role in a failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler in 1944.

By examining the photos and documents on display at the center, you can gain a more profound understanding of what life was like in Germany during this era. It’s a perfect place to expand your knowledge of this historical period and pay homage to the brave individuals who opposed the Nazis.

8. ODYSSEUM

Address: Corintostraße 1, 51103 Cologne

Odysseum is an adventure museum that delivers an unparalleled and captivating experience to visitors of all ages.

With a massive exhibition area of approximately 5,500 square meters, the museum features interactive stations and programs that aim to make science accessible and comprehensible to a diverse audience.

The museum offers several activities that allow you to immerse yourself in science, offering a fun and exciting experience. The interactive exhibits cover a broad range of topics and present an unmatched learning opportunity. Such an exceptional experience cannot be easily found in any comparable institution.

Overall, Odysseum is an indispensable destination in Cologne for anyone keen on exploring science and technology in an interactive and enjoyable way.

9. Museum of Applied Arts

Address: An d. Rechtschule 7, 50667 Cologne

If you are interested in design and applied art, the Museum of Applied Arts is a must-visit destination in Cologne. With around 250,000 objects from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, it is one of the country’s most significant institutions for applied art.

The museum’s “art museum plus” concept emphasizes the importance of the dialogue between art and design and provides visitors with a unique experience.

10. Ancient Roman tomb (Römergrab)

Address: Aachener Str. 1328, 50859 Cologne

The Römergrab, situated in Cologne-Weiden, is an ancient Roman tomb that dates back to 2,000 years ago. It serves as a display of Roman architecture that has been remarkably preserved.

By utilizing public transportation, you can easily access the tomb and discover its historical significance through educational displays.

For enthusiasts of history and architecture, the Römergrab is a captivating peek into the past and an attraction that should not be missed.

11. City Museum Cologne (Kölnisches Stadtmuseum)

Address: Minoritenstraße 11, 50667 Cologne

If you’re interested in the history of Cologne, the City Museum is a must-visit destination.

Since its founding in 1888, the museum has been collecting objects that document the city’s history from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum’s mission is to preserve and showcase Cologne’s rich historical heritage for present and future generations.

The museum’s exhibits offer an active and dynamic way to explore the city’s history, taking you on exciting time-travel journeys through Cologne’s past.

12. Museum for East-Asian Arts

Address: Universitätsstraße 100, 50674 Cologne

If you’re interested in Eastern Asian Art and Culture, don’t miss the chance to visit the Museum for East-Asian Arts. The museum is the oldest and first specialist museum of its kind in the country.

This museum showcases an impressive collection of Asian arts, including exhibits from China, Korea, and Japan. Under the leadership of its current director, the museum has managed to assemble Chinese and Japanese calligraphy collections that were lost over time.

With so much to see, the Museum for East-Asian Arts is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in exploring the culture of Eastern Asia.

13. Fragrance Museum

Address: Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Cologne

The Fragrance Museum at the Farina House is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of eau de cologne. The museum is located in the building of the oldest known perfume factory in the world. It showcases perfumes from the past.

You can explore the museum’s collection of photographs and documents showcasing the perfume products, including instances of plagiarism, from the factory’s inception to the present day. The exhibits also highlight the developmental stages of perfume production.

14. Kolumba

Address: Kolumbastraße 4, 50667 Cologne

Kolumba is an art museum located in the city center of Cologne. It is owned by the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The museum was first established in 1853 under the name “Diocesan Museum Cologne” and was renamed “Kolumba” in 2004, after its relocation. Its new building was opened to the public in 2007 after a long preparation period.

The museum’s architecture is unique, blending the ruins of the late Gothic church of St. Kolumba, the chapel “Madonna in the Ruins”, the archaeological excavation site, and the new building designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor.

Kolumba offers you a chance to experience two thousand years of western culture in one building, with art collections ranging from late antiquity to modern times. As the museum changes its exhibitions annually, it is worth checking out which exhibition is at display before going there.

15. Schnütgen Museum

Address: Cäcilienstraße 29-33, 50667 Cologne

If you have an interest in medieval art, the Museum Schnütgen is a must-visit destination.

Housed in one of Cologne’s oldest churches, it boasts a priceless collection of medieval art that includes masterpieces such as the stunning Parler Bust, the evocative Crucifix from St. George, and the remarkable Comb of St. Heribert.

The collection showcases a wide variety of art forms, ranging from wooden and stone sculptures, exquisite goldsmith works, and stained glass to rare ivories and textiles.

What sets the museum apart is its most significant exhibition space, which dates back over a millennium. The Romanesque Church of St. Cecilia provides an atmosphere of stillness that allows you to experience the beauty of the works.

Moreover, the museum continually re-contextualizes its key works within its permanent exhibition, making it an excellent reason to visit again and again. There is always something new to discover.

16. Cologne Cathedral Treasury

Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne

The Cologne Cathedral Treasury is an impressive collection of ecclesiastical objects and artifacts. It is the largest and wealthiest of its kind in Germany, what makes it worth seeing.

The Treasury occupies two bays on the east side of the north transept of the Cologne Cathedral and contains a wide variety of objects. There are also some remarkable examples of early Christian art that are over a thousand years old.

One of the most famous possessions in the treasury is the golden Shrine of the Three Kings. This remarkable object is joined by many other treasures, including the Shrine of the Cross of Cologne, a Byzantine triptych from the early 12th century, and one of the finest surviving Late Gothic monstrances.

The collection has a long and fascinating history: It has suffered losses due to robberies, but has also received gifts from bishops, popes, and emperors throughout the centuries.

WHAT ELSE TO DO IN COLOGNE

Cologne is a vibrant city with a wealth of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. Beyond the iconic Cologne Cathedral and the renowned museums, visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and diverse neighborhoods.

From strolling along the picturesque Rhine promenade, experiencing the lively local food and drink scene, to indulging in a relaxing spa day, there are countless activities and experiences to discover in Cologne.

Whether traveling solo, as a couple or with family and friends, Cologne offers something for everyone.

For more suggestions for your stay in Cologne, check out THESE POSTS.

BEST MUSEUMS IN COLOGNE – FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re a museum enthusiast, Cologne has a lot to offer. From art museums to history museums, there is something to cater to every taste.

As a resident of Cologne, I highly recommend visiting the Museum Ludwig for modern and contemporary art, and the Chocolate Museum if you’re a chocolate lover.

For those interested in the darker side of history, the NS Documentation Center is worth a visit, although keep in mind that school classes often frequent this destination.

All in all, there’s no shortage of fascinating museums to explore in Cologne.