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Museum · Colônia, Renânia do Norte-Vestfália
Museum Ludwig
Museum of 20th- and 21st-century art next to the cathedral, with the largest pop art collection in Europe, one of the largest Picasso collections in the world, and German Expressionism.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museum Ludwig
The Museum Ludwig sits between the cathedral and the Reno and brings together art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Its core came from donations by the collector couple Peter and Irene Ludwig, who gave the city hundreds of pop art works in the 1970s, and from Josef Haubrich's Expressionist collection.
The holdings include the largest pop art collection in Europe, featuring Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, one of the largest Picasso collections worldwide, important works of German Expressionism and the Russian avant-garde, as well as a large photography collection.
The building, with sawtooth roofs, also houses the Kölner Philharmonie, the city's concert hall. Around it, Heinrich-Böll-Platz opens toward the river and the cathedral, and temporary exhibitions change throughout the year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
On weekdays, in the morning. The museum is closed on Mondays (except public holidays) and usually stays open late on the first Thursday of each month; check before you go.
How to get there
It's next to the cathedral, about a 3-minute walk from Köln Hauptbahnhof.
Tip
Buy tickets online during busy temporary exhibitions. There are lockers for backpacks. Combine it with the cathedral on the same morning.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museum Ludwig
Which artists can I see?
Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, German expressionists like Kirchner and artists of the Russian avant-garde, among others. Works on display change according to the exhibition.
On which day is the museum closed?
It usually closes on Mondays. Check opening hours on the official website.
Is it suitable for non-art specialists?
Yes. Pop art and Picasso works are familiar, and the visit can be done in about 2 hours at a leisurely pace.