Best Museums & Art Galleries in Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany, Cologne, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

Best Museums & Art Galleries in Cologne, Germany

1. Museum Ludwig

Home to one of the world's most important collections of modern and contemporary art.
  • Unique Collection: Features a diverse range of artworks by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Richter.
  • Architectural Wonders: Located in the beautiful Messequartier, designed by legendary architects, Le Corbusier and Peter et Richard Strachey.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Offers various temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing new and cutting-edge artists.

2. Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Showcases a collection spanning from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
  • Artistic Diversity: Features works by masters like Rembrandt, Rubens, and van Dyck.
  • Historic Building: Located in a beautiful historical building dating back to the late 18th century.
  • Restoration Workshop: Includes a restoration workshop, allowing visitors to observe and learn about art conservation processes.

3. Chocolate Museum

Learn the history of chocolate and its production process.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on experiences, such as making your own chocolate bar.
  • Tasting Sessions: Provides tasting sessions of various types of chocolates from around the world.
  • Gift Shop: Purchases unique chocolate-themed souvenirs in the museum's gift shop.

4. Romano-Germanic Museum

Displays Roman and Germanic antiquities from Cologne and its surroundings.
  • Roman History: Features the famous Roman mosaics of Dionysus and the Four Seasons.
  • Germanic Artifacts: Includes a significant collection of artifacts from the Merovingian period.
  • Archaeological Finds: Offers insights into the development of Cologne from Roman times to the Middle Ages.

5. Cologne Cathedral Museum

Displays treasures and artifacts related to Cologne Cathedral's history.
  • Cathedral History: Features the Shrine of the Three Magi, an important relic of the cathedral.
  • Architectural Models: Showcases architectural models and drawings of the cathedral throughout history.
  • Religious Artifacts: Includes a collection of religious artifacts, such as reliquaries and liturgical objects.

6. Museum für Angewandte Kunst

Showcases applied arts and design from the Middle Ages to modern times.
  • Applied Arts Collection: Includes ceramics, glasswork, textiles, furniture, and jewelry.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Offers thematic exhibitions on various aspects of applied arts and design.
  • Design Shop: Purchases contemporary designs inspired by the museum's collection.

7. Museum Schnütgen

Features an extensive collection of religious art and artifacts.
  • Religious Art Collection: Includes rare ivory carvings, liturgical objects, and illuminated manuscripts.
  • Medieval Artifacts: Features an impressive collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages.
  • Architectural Highlights: Located in the historic building of St. Aposteln Church, with architectural highlights dating back to the Romanesque period.

8. Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst

Showcases art and culture from East Asia, especially China, Japan, and Korea.
  • East Asian Art Collection: Includes sculptures, paintings, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork.
  • Historical Context: Provides insights into the historical context of East Asian art and culture.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Offers thematic exhibitions on various aspects of East Asian art and culture.

9. Cologne City History Museum (Rathaus),

Displays the history of Cologne from medieval times to the present day.
  • City History Timeline: Features permanent exhibits covering various aspects of Cologne's rich history.
  • Historic City Hall: Located in the historic city hall, offering a glimpse into the city's political past.
  • Multimedia Presentations: Offers multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits for an immersive experience.

10. Museum of Applied Art, Cologne (MAKK)

Focuses on design, decorative arts, and crafts from the 20th and 21st centuries.
  • Design Collection: Includes furniture, textiles, glassware, ceramics, and graphic design.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Offers thematic exhibitions on various aspects of design and decorative arts.
  • Design Shop: Purchases contemporary designs inspired by the museum's collection.

11. Museum für Kommunikation

Explores communication technologies and their impact on society.
  • Communication Evolution: Traces the history of communication, from ancient methods to modern technology.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on experiences and interactive exhibits to engage visitors.
  • Special Collections: Includes a postage stamp collection, telegraph machines, and early radio equipment.

12. Philipp und Bernhards Museum

Preserves the legacy of two Cologne archbishops and their artistic patronage.
  • Archbishop Legacy: Features artworks, manuscripts, and artifacts related to Philipp (1480-1596) and Bernhard von Saarwerden (1563-1623).
  • Historic Building: Located in the Archbishops' Palace, a beautiful historic building.
  • Art and History: Combines art, history, and architecture to provide a comprehensive view of Cologne's past.

13. Museum für Naturkunde der Universität zu Köln

Explores the natural world and its diversity through exhibits and research.
  • Natural World Displays: Showcases a variety of specimens from different ecosystems, including minerals, fossils, and animals.
  • Research Facilities: Includes research laboratories and facilities for scientific studies.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops for children, students, and families.

14. Museum for Modern Art, Cologne (MMK)

Showcases contemporary and modern art from around the world.
  • Contemporary Art Collection: Includes works by Warhol, Richter, Lichtenstein, and other prominent artists.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Offers thematic exhibitions on various aspects of contemporary art.
  • Artist Residencies: Supports international artist residencies, fostering creative exchange and collaboration.

15. Fotomuseum Köln

Explores the art of photography and its impact on society.
  • Photography Collection: Features a diverse collection of photographs, including works by famous photographers.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Offers thematic exhibitions on various aspects of photography and its history.
  • Workshops and Talks: Provides workshops, talks, and other educational programs for photographers and enthusiasts.