People who are not familiar with Cologne often consider it an industrial city that does not have special cultural values. And they are deeply mistaken! The long history of the city is reflected in many museums, and wealthy collectors left the city with incredible value a heritage that is exhibited in art galleries. There are two world-class galleries in the Old Town of Cologne. They have a magnificent collection of works of art.
People who are not familiar with Cologne often consider it an industrial city that does not have special cultural values. And they are deeply mistaken! The long history of the city is reflected in many museums, and wealthy collectors left the city with incredible value a heritage that is exhibited in art galleries.
There are two world-class galleries in the Old Town of Cologne. They contain magnificent collections of works of art - from medieval triptychs to still lifes of Dutch painters, from impressionist landscapes to paintings in pop art style.
Here you can also see works by contemporary German artists. Very interesting collections are found in rather boring, box-like buildings. Ludwig Museum and Museum Wallraf-Richartz. Despite the dull appearance, these are very modern, visitor-friendly and perfectly lit art galleries. Entire galleries are dedicated to the works of famous German artists - Kete Kolwitz and Max Ernst . These museums have opened relatively recently. You will get a great opportunity to get acquainted with the life and work of remarkable German artists. There are other interesting museums in Cologne - religious, Asian, and applied art. If time permits, be sure to visit them.
Fans of antiquity should definitely visit a major Roman-German Museum, where collected objects found during excavations of the ancient Colony. The main pearl of the collection is the famous mosaic of Dionysus. Be sure to stroll through the excavations, inspect the ruins of the palace of the Roman governor under the city hall. The city museum traces the history of Cologne from the Roman camp on the Rhine to the modern metropolis.
Energetic locals are not limited to contemplating the treasures of art and culture. They need fun. In Germany, a huge variety of theaters of various directions and genres. There are traditional folk theaters and completely new, experimental ones. In Germany, foreign troupes often perform. Here you can see Broadway musicals and performances that have long conquered the scenes of the world. There are a lot of theaters in Cologne - large and small, popular and known to a narrow circle. Cologne residents love classical music.
No wonder there are so many music schools and colleges in the city. The performances of the Cologne Symphony Orchestra and the Gürzenich Orchestra, whose history began back in the 15th century, are very popular. Cologne Symphony Orchestra especially famous for the performance of works by composers of the XX century. Two orchestras work at the Cologne Philharmonic. Concerts at the Philharmonic are held almost daily. Classical music concerts are also held in the twelve Romanesque churches of the city, the atmosphere of which is ideal for performing music by famous composers. Although the opera in Cologne is not very popular, the city's opera house is one of the best in the country. Here you can listen to modern and classical opera, watch a ballet performance.
Many of Cologne's cultural attractions are concentrated in the city center, so you can see a lot even in a relatively short time. Schedules of performances and concerts, as well as tickets, can be purchased directly in theaters and concert halls and, in addition, at the Köln Ticket company. Information in English is provided in the Rhine Magazine. You can find this booklet in bookstores.
Remember that all museums in Cologne are closed on Mondays.
