Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities, is well known for its art scene. The city is home to more than 30 museums and 100 galleries with world-class collections, and in 1967, Cologne hosted the world’s first art trade show.

This guide offers an overview of some of the best museums in Cologne, ranging from modern art and historical collections to a culinary museum that appeals to visitors of all ages. Notably, all museums are within walking distance of Cologne’s Old Town and the Cologne Cathedral.

Museum Ludwig

Museum Ludwig focuses on 20th-century art, showcasing an impressive range of paintings, sculptures, drawings, graphic arts, and photography. The collection includes notable movements such as German Expressionism, Bauhaus, and Russian avant-garde, alongside an extensive selection of Picasso’s work. In fact, Museum Ludwig holds the largest Pop art collection outside the U.S., featuring masterpieces by iconic artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

The museum is located beneath Heinrich-Böll-Platz, closely located to the Kölner Dom and Hauptbahnhof (main train station). Visitors may notice the site due to the security presence during performances.

The address is Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln. For further details regarding opening hours and admission, kindly check the museum’s website.

Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is an exquisite place for visitors of all ages who have a fondness for sweets. Known as Germany’s Willy Wonka Factory, it presents the 3,000-year history of the cocoa bean. Information is displayed in both English and German and leads guests through a greenhouse featuring live cocoa trees, culminating in a mini-production area for creating chocolate bars.

The highlight of the experience is a 10-foot high chocolate fountain, creating a delightful aroma of melted chocolate. Guests can enjoy this sight on the banks of the Rhine River and are encouraged to try a sample of chocolate-dipped wafers.

The museum is located at Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln. For admissions information, please check the museum’s website.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

As one of Cologne’s oldest institutions dating back to 1824, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum harbors 700 years of European art, showcasing works ranging from the medieval period to Baroque, German Romantics, and French Realism.

Notably, the museum houses an impressive collection of Impressionist art, recognized as the largest of its kind in Germany. A standout piece is Kind zwischen Stockrosen (Child among staked roses) by Berthe Morisot, created in 1881.

Additionally, this museum became infamous due to the discovery of a significant forgery. On February 14, 2008, it was revealed that On the Banks of the Seine by Port Villez by Claude Monet was indeed a forgery, which remains on display alongside five authentic Monet paintings.

It is located at Obenmarspforten 40, 50667 Köln. For visitor information, check the museum’s website.

Farina Fragrance Museum

As one of the unique museums in Germany, it is fitting that a museum dedicated to the history of perfume exists in Cologne. Known locally as Kölner Wasser or Eau de Cologne, this fragrance has been produced since 1709, making it the oldest fragrance factory still in operation. Visitors can see the original cellars where fragrances were crafted since 1723.

It is important to note that tours are by guided visit only, and reservations are encouraged. Tours are available in multiple languages, including English and German.

The museum is located at Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Köln. For details on opening hours and admission fees, please refer to their website.

Romano-Germanic Museum

History enthusiasts should not overlook the Romano-Germanic Museum, which delves into the rich past of Cologne. This city, founded in 38 BC by Romans as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, displays an extensive collection of artifacts from this era, providing intriguing insights into how people lived 2,000 years ago.

Situated at the foot of the cathedral, notable highlights include the magnificent Dionysus mosaic, a tribute to the Roman god of wine, and the world’s largest collection of Roman glass. Visitors can also view a remarkable assortment of medieval jewelry.

For opening hours and admissions information, consult the museum’s website.

Museum Schnütgen

Museum Schnütgen is renowned for its treasures from the Middle Ages, primarily Christian religious art. This museum showcases an outstanding collection of art spanning the 5th to 19th centuries, featuring about 2,000 objects over 1,900 square meters of gallery space. Currently, this represents only about 10% of the museum’s total 13,000 items, as it has expanded to highlight more of its works.

Notably, the museum occupies a historic Romanesque church, one of Cologne’s oldest, established in 881, still showcasing murals dating back to 1300. The museum is dedicated to medieval studies and remains an important institution in this field.

Located at Cäcilienstraße 29-33, 50667 Köln, be sure to check the museum’s website for admissions information.