Museum Ludwig

The basics

Formed after chocolate magnate Peter Ludwig endowed the museum with his private (and enormously valuable) modern art collection, the Museum Ludwig showcases art made after 1900. The museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Picasso paintings, as well as masterpieces by Monet, Lichtenstein, Dali, Rauschenberg, and other 20th-century luminaries.

The Museum Ludwig’s striking facade can be seen on various sightseeing and day trip itineraries in Cologne.

Things to know before you go

• Groups enjoy discounted rates, and children under 18 can visit for free.
• Public tours of the museum are offered in German, though individual tours in other languages can also be booked.
• Audio guides are available at the front desk and provide an immersive introduction to the artworks.
• The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
• The Ludwig im Museum restaurant is on-site and operates individual opening hours.

How to get there

The Museum Ludwig is located in the city’s old town. If traveling by public transportation, take mainline trains, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn trains to the Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), the city’s major transit hub. Alternatively, the museum is easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by car; parking garages are located in the vicinity.

When to get there

The Museum Ludwig is open from 10am–6pm Tuesday–Sunday, but stays open until 10pm on the first Thursday of every month. Key closure dates include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, plus there are select closures on days in February and March. Check the website before you go. Weekends and summer months tend to be busier.

The Cologne Philharmonie

Cologne’s excellent Philharmonie is located in the same complex as the Museum Ludwig; it hosts a series of concerts and symphonic performances throughout the year. You can find an performance calendar online.