Near Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud traces European painting from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century across three floors, each focused on a different period. Look for Stefan Lochner’s Madonna in the Rose Bower and The Last Judgment, then move on to Baroque works by Rubens and Rembrandt and Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir and van Gogh. Cologne’s oldest museum began with Ferdinand Franz Wallraf’s bequest to the city in 1824; a merchant, Johann Heinrich Richartz, later funded its first museum building.
From Wallraf’s bequest to the museum
The museum’s history began in 1824, when university professor and art collector Ferdinand Franz Wallraf left his collection to the city of Cologne. About 30 years later, merchant Johann Heinrich Richartz provided funds for a building to house the artworks. Their names became part of the museum’s name.
Cologne’s oldest museum opened in 1861. Its collections have grown through later donations, and today the galleries cover European painting from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
Three floors of European painting
The collection is arranged across three floors, with each floor devoted to a different period. Medieval art includes paintings and altarpieces from the Cologne School, a group especially well represented here. Many works from the 14th and 15th centuries show religious subjects, including stories connected with saints.
Stefan Lochner is one of the Cologne painters to look for. His Madonna in the Rose Bower, also known as the Madonna of the Rose Bower, is among the museum’s best-known works. The Last Judgment is another key painting. The galleries also include works by the Master of Saint Veronica, whose actual name is unknown.
From Baroque masters to the Impressionists
The collection moves from medieval and Renaissance painting into the Baroque, with works by Rubens and Rembrandt among its highlights. Dutch and Flemish painting is particularly well represented. Later galleries bring together artists from the 19th century and the Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist movements.
The museum holds a notable collection of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist art, including paintings by Monet, Renoir, Morisot, van Gogh, Cézanne and Munch. Works by French Realist painters and local Impressionists add further chapters to the collection’s account of European painting.
A building beside the remains of Saint Alban
Architect Oswald Mathias Ungers won the design competition for the museum building in 1996. It opened in 2001 and has a total area of 3,500 square metres. The structure has a rectangular northern section and a section with a stepped façade beside the ruins of Saint Alban.
The museum stands near Cologne City Hall and within walking distance of the cathedral. Its focus is classical European art; Museum Ludwig, by contrast, is known for modern art and its large Picasso collection.
FAQ
How long should I plan for the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to see the collection across the museum’s three floors.
What can I see at the museum?
The galleries cover European painting from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, including Cologne School, Baroque and Impressionist works.
Which paintings are highlights?
Look for Stefan Lochner’s Madonna in the Rose Bower and The Last Judgment, as well as works by Rubens, Rembrandt and Monet.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
