Cologne is a museum and gallery lover’s dream with about 40 museums and galleries. Everyone from art lovers to historians, athletes to chocoholics will find something to interest them.
Art Museums
Museum Ludwig (Bischofsgartenstraße 1)
This is Cologne’s premiere museum and with good reason. There is much contemporary art on display, notably a large collection of Russian Avant-Garde and German art of the 1970s and 1980s. Modern classics by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are some highlights.
Art Association of Cologne (Hahnenstraße 6)
This museum, known to locals as Kölnischer Kunstverein, is not only another modern art museum but also a cultural center. Musical concerts, cinematic offerings and dance performances are often held in the museum.
Museum for Applied Art (An der Rechtschule)
The Museum für Angewandte Kunst is a showcase of human ornamentation. Anything that was crafted by the human hand over the ages can be seen here, like tapestries, furniture, utensils and sculptures.
Museum of East Asian Art (Universitätsstraße 100)
This art museum (Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst) was the first of its kind in Germany. Some not-to-miss exhibits include Japanese screen paintings, Chinese calligraphy and Korean ceramics.
Kolumba Art Museum of the Archbishopric of Cologne (Kolumbastraße 4)
The Kolumba dives into the ecclesiastical world, containing an overview of two thousand years of religion and art. The ruins of an old Gothic church are housed within.
Historical Museums
Museum of the City of Cologne (Zeughausstraße 1-3)
Any history buff wanting a better understanding of Cologne shouldn’t miss the Kölnisches Stadtmuseum. It touches upon the everyday life of a Cologne citizen, from beer to puppet theater.
Römisch-Germanisches Museum (Roncalliplatz 4)
The Roman-Germanic Museum explores the legacy of these ubiquitous ancient conquerors. Glassware and jewelry are two of the museum’s specialties.
German Sports & Olympic Museum (Im Zollhafen 1)
Three thousand years of athletics can be found at the Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum, from the ancient Greeks through modern German sports.
Museum of Carnival (Maarweg 134-136)
A celebration of Cologne’s biggest event, this museum follows the evolution of Carnival from its ancient origins through its modern day festivities.
Chocolate Museum Cologne (Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a)
And we have saved the most delicious for last — the Schokoladenmusem! After taking a tour through the history of chocolate, be sure to sample some of this delicious treat at the Cafe or the Beach Terrace.
