Wallraf-Richartz-Museum

The basics

Considered one of Cologne’s top art museums, the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is an essential stop for visiting culture lovers. It’s especially celebrated for its medieval wing; begin your visit by admiring masterpieces from artists like Albrecht Dürer, as well as Stefan Lochner’s Madonna in the Rose Bower, one of the museum’s most famous paintings. Then, head to the baroque galleries to see works by artists from Rubens to Rembrandt. The museum’s impressionist and post-impressionist collection is also a must-see, boasting work by luminaries like Monet, Gaugin, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Manet.

The Wallraf-Richartz-Museum additionally hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, which can be explored alongside its internationally celebrated permanent collection. And to really bring its spectacular offerings to life, book a custom, themed tour led by one of its docents in advance.

Things to know before you go

• The Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is completely accessible to wheelchair users.

• For one of the best views overlooking Cologne Cathedral, City Hall, and other landmarks, head to the picture window on the museum’s third floor.

• To pick up a souvenir or art object, visit the CEDON Museum Shop.

• After browsing the collections, enjoy a leisurely 3-course lunch (or light refreshments) at the museum’s café-restaurant.

• Tickets to the museum can be purchased on-site; students and disabled visitors receive discounted entry, while children aged 18 and under visit for free.

How to get there

The Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is located at Obenmarspforten 40 in the heart of the city’s Old Town (Altstadt). It’s 10 minutes on foot from Cologne Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), the city’s major transit hub. You can also reach the museum by tram; take line 5 to Rathaus, or lines 1, 5, 7, or 9 to Heumarkt.

When to get there

The Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is open every day except Monday, including on most public holidays, from morning until early evening; it is also open until late in the evening on the first and third Thursday of the month. Note that the museum is closed annually on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and during the city’s Carnival days.

Top Cologne museums

Cologne is home to a collection of internationally celebrated arts and culture museums, of which the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is a highlight. Afterwards, it’s worth continuing your visit at the Museum Ludwig, a modern art museum that’s home to the largest pop art collection outside of the US; the Museum of Applied Arts, a must for design lovers; and the newly renovated Cologne City Museum, which explores the city’s rich history.