kolumba

This is a unique experience which I shall not forget.for a long time. The building is simply stunning. I could happily have spent more time here.

Studying architecture I was so fascinated. Not only by the exhibition, but of course by the building and its history.To go inside the Chapel, then walk above the ruins. Architects Gottfried Bohm and Peter Zumthor did a great job. It's a must to see!

Didn't know what to expect when I went to Kolumba. I knew that it was designed by Peter Zumthor so I expected that the building would be amazing. And how true that was! The collection of art pieces inside were so beautifully curated, and worked so well within the space that Peter Zumthor wonderfully created. It wasn't very crowded when I went, making it such a peaceful, calm experience inside the museum. I'm not an extremely artsy person, and I must admit I didn't understand a lot of the art pieces on display, but for just 5 Euros, I still felt it was worth going in for. Oh, and you're allowed to take pictures inside which I thought was really cool!

We are not fans of modern art in general, but this entire place is such an experience that we couldn't help but enjoy it.The ruins of the old church are the highlight, so wonderfully encapsulated in a modern building whose lighting design makes the walk along the boardwalk and spiritual and artistic experience. I would have been happy if this was the only thing to see.The rest of the museum blends the old and new wonderfully. You'll have a piece of modern art (mostly ugly to my taste) side by side with a medieval treasure. Somehow it all works. It's an open and airy space, not cluttered and you don't feel rushed. Very hard to describe Kolumba, but I am thrilled that we decided to visit.

Kolumbia was not on our list, but along our meandering path, we found a wall that looked like it was built on an ancient foundation. We meandered further, into the free section where we could see that archaeology revealed life back to Roman occupation. It lured us further into the section where we were willing to pay admission fees to see more archaeology realign layers of civilization: Roman occupation dwellings layered over with Medieval structures and than a parish church not far from Cologne Cathedral. All of this was revealed by the British bombing of central Cologne in 1942. Rebuilt is a breathtaking museum that houses contemporary art fused with classical art exhibition. The rooms go on forever, and there are quiet places to absorb and be absorbed into art installations. No didactic panels, which suits me just fine, and the small exhibition catalogue is German only. This is one of the most outstanding conversations between antiquity and contemporary life. Don't miss it.

A beautifully crafted space on the ground floor, made out of the shell of an old cathedral is certainly worth the €5 entrance fee alone but once you are taken up the almost hidden stairs, the place really comes into its own with some wonderful pieces of art.

Only 5 euro's to get in, so its a cheap way to fill a few hours, felt like we were being watched closely by the staff but this is only so they can advise you to watch your step entering different rooms as there is a little ledge that could lead to trips. Nice use of space but to be honest we just did not get a lot of the exhibits, maybe its just not my sort of thing. Spent a long time trying to interpret a lot of the exhibits, so much so that when we came to two doors tried to get what the artist was trying to say, turned out we were staring at the toilet doors.

The Kolumba is a highly specialized, indeed a conceptual, museum just outside the very center of Cologne. Designed by the noted Swiss architect, Peter Zumthor, I have to say that my reaction to the Kolumba is no doubt tainted by Zumthor's initial design for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) which was howled at by critics, as if they were wolves, for its mis-reading of the city and its context. Fortunately, Zumthor has changed that design to one that is more appropriate, if expensive to build.But trying to keep an open mind, I have to acknowledge that the Kolumba has some very good features. Its use and, indeed, resurrection of a ruined church to create a new modern museum is strikingly interesting. But I think it's also important to describe accurately what it is, which is that the museum is more of a conceptual artwork itself than a flexible building for showing art. Just as the architectural idea was to combine the old and new, so is the display of art idea to combine the old and new. This goes only so far before it becomes tedious.Then, there are the minor problems with the building. For a while, we became paranoid and thought that the many museum guards were following us around. But then, we realized that they were in fact warning us not to trip before we stepped into each next room that there was a half-step level change. Isn't the architect or contractor supposed to know that steps are to be of a certain height to keep this from happening? Fortunately, the number of visitors to the Kolumba, based upon what I observed during my visit, is low so the guards can pick each new one out and play, as we say in basketball, man-to-man defense.Now, I don't want to completely bash this place. As noted earlier, it is original and certainly deserves a visit. But it does stir the question: should a museum be more a showcase for the architect than a showcase for the art? Truly, since the Wright's Guggenheim in NYC that question has gone unanswered.

The cathedral was badly damaged and renovated in modern way but still respect the traditional and old structure. Great design really.

Passing through Cologne and noticed this impressive building and had yo pay a visit. It's located on the site of the Colomba church and is an architectural wonder. The current exhibition is show cover hide. ShrineThey have museum guides in English. It's €5 to enter. Really enjoyed both the art work and the rooms they're displayed in. Not cluttered with excellent lighting. Definitely worth a visit along for the building but add a nice exhibition and it's awesome.

We would have missed this gem had we not arrived in town for a one day stay and found it to be the only museum open in the city, and even then it was not crowded. We spent about two and a half hours and could have stayed longer. It is not your conventional museum. You have to enjoy intriguing and often hauntingly beautiful and mysterious architectural spaces, punctuated by glimpses of bright cityscapes through large windows; quiet spaces for pausing and reflection; strange juxtapositions of new and old. It is disquieting, a place of beauty haunted by ghosts of destruction. This year's exhibit is provocative, interesting and beautiful. Go slow, find places to sit and meditate.If you like the Biennale in Venice, you will enjoy wandering this space. The world looks just a little different when you leave. We were happy we came on a Monday

Outstanding experience: the newish museum of the diocese of Cologne is well worth a (repeat) visit. The swiss architect P. Zumthor incorporates the remnants of the church St. Kolumba, which was heavily damaged in 2nd WW. The 1950ies chapel as well as the medieval basements of a number of former church buildings on this site are both powerful showcases of the history of Cologne church life. Be open minded about the exhibitions, changing annually, there are no name tags next to the exhibits, nor audio guides available. You are encourages to explore at your own pace, and to contemplate the striking contrast between the medieval artifacts on display alongside modern art. Stunning building and views out into the city with its trade mark mix of ugly 50ies concrete buildings and the regal cathedral looming large. What a great addition to the high quality museum collection of Cologne.

I was in and out of this small museum in less than an hour. It was the only museum open on Monday. Like a previous commenter, I expected more ancient artifacts, but there were mainly large open rooms with just a few items on display. Most of it was modern art, and not great modern art, in my opinion, such as a table top consisting of dozens of canvases painted in several shades of white, for example. Really? The ruins on the ground level were interesting to see, and I found it to be the most significant part of the museum. If you go, be prepared to leave your coat on a coat rack, and put your bags (including hand bags) in a locker. The staff will not allow you to walk around with anything, even though the place is practically empty. There are a lot of stairs, but a lift (elevator) is available for those who need it. No labels on the exhibits and no English translation.

The Kolumba is a modernized museum with a piece of history. Go for the Roman ruins, but stay for the modern art, architectural marvel of a building, and experience of really a one of a kind museum. We visited on a Monday (where most museums in Germany are closed) and the museum was far from packed. Definitely a plus and experience-enhancer!

The building is by Peter Zumthor - it is AMAZING.Lots of space around exhibits and beautiful coloured walls - anything would look good in here. The way contemporary art is placed next to historical is very interesting. I was only in Cologne for 3 days but I came here every day as it is just a beautiful calming place to be.Do not miss it!