Museums & galleries in Cologne

The collection is focused on New Objectivity and conceptual approaches. It includes works by masters such as Bernd and Hilla Becher, Karl Blossfeldt, and Albert Renger-Patzsch.

This ethnological museum is dedicated to the cultures of the world’s peoples and offers a unique perspective on the diversity of human experience. Its exhibits include everyday objects, clothing, and dwellings that reflect the lives of various communities. The museum was founded on the basis of the private collection of Wilhelm Joest and now occupies a modern building opened in 2010.

Here you can purchase products from the 4711 brand, and on the second floor there is a small museum dedicated to the history of the label. The carillon (bell chimes): bells installed on the facade of the building play melodies every hour (from 9:00 to 19:00), such as “La Marseillaise,” accompanied by moving figurines.

The world’s oldest contemporary art fair, bringing together more than 2,000 artists under one roof.

The art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne. This unique space, designed by architect Peter Zumthor on the ruins of a late Gothic church, is considered a masterpiece of contemporary museum architecture. Its exhibitions bring together ancient religious artworks and pieces by modern artists, creating a fascinating dialogue between the past and the present.

A paradise for car enthusiasts. It houses the private collection of Michael Schumacher, including Formula 1 cars, helmets, and trophies. Admission to the car exhibition area is usually free.

One of the most important museums of modern art in the world. It houses one of the largest collections of Picasso’s works in Europe, along with an outstanding collection of American Pop Art, featuring artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as significant works of Russian avant-garde and Surrealism.

The museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by the renowned 20th-century German artist and sculptor Käthe Kollwitz. Best known for her deeply moving graphic art, Kollwitz explored themes of human suffering, social injustice, war, and loss with exceptional emotional power. The collection offers a comprehensive insight into her artistic legacy and her enduring influence on modern art.

The city's oldest museum, showcasing European painting from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Its collection includes masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through the history of European art.

Collections of Buddhist sculpture, Chinese bronzes, Korean ceramics, and Japanese prints. The museum building itself is considered a protected architectural monument.