Summary
Children of all ages can satisfy their sweet tooth in the Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) in Cologne. It showcases the 5,000-year culture of chocolate around the world and is one of the most visited museums in the city.
Founded in 1993, the museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in October 2018, with over 14 million visitors having passed through its delicious doors. If you are fortunate enough to visit the museum this year, expect light projections, unique chocolate creations, and special events. This is a must-see location in Cologne, so read all about the Chocolate Museum and plan a tasty visit.
Attractions in Cologne’s Chocolate Museum
Exhibitions
In the museum’s massive 4,000 m2 exhibition space, visitors can learn about the history of chocolate — from the Mayans’ chocolate “drink of the gods” to Germany’s favorite chocolates and beyond. The museum boasts over 100,000 objects on display.
The Chocolate Cinema provides showings of occasionally awkward, often hilarious, chocolate commercials from 1926 to the present. Gaze at precious 18th and 19th-century porcelain that served both as a vessel for chocolate and as a piece of art depicting its significance.
Stroll through the museum’s greenhouse, home to live cocoa trees, and discover how the cocoa bean transforms into a chocolate bar from start to finish in the museum’s mini-production unit upstairs. Interactive displays are accessible for all ages, and exhibition texts are helpfully available in English and German.
Guided Tour
Annually, more than 4,500 people take the guided tour, allowing chocolate enthusiasts to gain insider knowledge of everything chocolate. Tours are regularly offered in English, French, Dutch, and German. The cost for guided tours is €3.50 plus the entrance fee. In addition to standard guided tours, the museum offers themed tours and special programs for children.
The Fountain of Chocolate
A highlight for children — and frankly, a highlight for everyone — is the massive 10-foot (3-meter) tall chocolate fountain, located at the end of the exhibit. Visitors are treated to a wafer freshly dipped from the waterfall of delicious chocolate.
Cafe, Shop, and Market
After sampling the mouth-watering exhibits, visitors can browse the shop, which features a variety of German and Swiss chocolates, including those from the renowned Lindt & Sprüngli, who are partners in the facility. Approximately 400 kilograms of chocolate are produced daily, and visitors can observe the chocolate artisans at work. Unique flavor profiles can be explored, and guests can even create their own chocolate bars.
Additionally, the CHOCOLAT Grand Café offers panoramic views of the Rhine River, serving rich hot chocolate and an assortment of cakes, coffees, and snacks to recharge after a sugar-laden experience.
During the festive season, Cologne’s Christmas markets also extend in front of the museum from November to December, featuring charming stands with handmade crafts, steaming mugs of glühwein, and the joyous spirit of the holidays.
Visitor Information for Cologne’s Chocolate Museum
- Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1, 50678 Cologne
- Website: www.chocolatemuseum-cologne.com
- Location: The futuristic museum complex of steel and glass is situated in the newly designed harbor quarter of Rheinauhafen, within walking distance to Cologne’s Old Town and cathedral.
- Transport: The closest subway stops are Severinstrasse and Heumarkt. If driving, enter Holzmarkt or Rheinauhafen into your GPS, and use the underground parking available at Rheinauhafen.
Chocolate Museum Admission
- Adult: 11.50 euros (7.50 euros for students; 10 euros for visitors over 65)
- Groups of 15 or more: 10 euros
- Family Pass (2 adults and kids up to 16 years old): 30 euros
- Children under 6 years old receive free admission
- Free admission on your birthday
Opening Hours of Cologne’s Chocolate Museum
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Saturday/Sunday/holidays: 11:00 – 19:00
- The museum is closed during Carnival celebrations, has limited opening during Christmas, and from January 8th until Easter, it is closed on Mondays.
- Note that the production facilities close 30 minutes earlier, with entrance ending an hour before the museum’s closing time.
- If you seek other sensory experiences in Cologne, consider the Fragrance Museum or enjoy the impressive view from the Cologne Cathedral.
