The Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Cologne's long history and influence is documented in its higher-than-average number of museums, the oldest and most renowned of which is The Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Here you can find Stefan Lochner's "Madonna of the Rose Bower" as well as works by Ruben, Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Bucher and more. The collections range from French Realism to German Romantic to Impressionism. The museum is located on Obenmarspforten street.

Several museums have started up with donations from the Wallraf-Richartz including the Ludwig Museum. Located on Bischofsgartenstraβe, the museum houses contemporary art by famous pop-artists such as Andy Warhol and George Segal and also continually acquires contemporary art by as yet unknown artists. The Romano-Germanic Museum got its start from the Wallraf's archaeological displays and now showcases jewelry, pottery, coins and mosaics from the Cologne area primarily from the Roman and Germanic eras, but also from prehistoric times. It's located right next to the Cologne Cathedral.

Middle Age Art

Museum Schnütgen is located on Cäcilienstraβe in what was once St. Cecelia Church. It contains an amazing collection of Christian art from the Middle Ages. The Museum of the City of Cologne also begins with the Middle Ages, documenting the history, culture and economy of Cologne up through the present day. You can find it on Zeughausstraβe Street.

There are two museums located on An der Rechtschule street. The Museum of Applied Art showcased furniture, tapestries, china and cutlery, and sculptures that have been used in Cologne since the Middle Ages. The Rhenish Photographic Archive, on the other hand, displays the art, culture, and architecture of Cologne through photography. The main focus is on black-and-white negatives.

Finally, The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum of Ethnography, located on Ubierring Street, strives to generate awareness and respect of non-European cultures. They have displays on North America, Africa, Oceania, and East Asia.