Museum Ludwig: Tickets & City Pass Inclusion
1.5 - 3 h
Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Collection founded on the Ludwigs' 1976 donation; current Rhine-side building beside the cathedral opened 1986
Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln, Germany
Planning to visit Museum Ludwig?
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Practical Visitor Info & Tips
€13.50
€9.50 (reduced); free for under-18s; €10.00 per person for groups of 20+; €6.75 for visitors with a severe disability (50%+); €7.00 after 17:00 on the first Thursday of the month; free all day for Cologne residents
Tue-Thu 10:00-18:00; Fri-Sun 10:00-20:00; first Thursday of the month until 22:00; closed Mondays (except public holidays).
No advance booking required for the permanent collection. Special exhibitions may carry a surcharge and are excluded from the KölnCard discount.
A municipal (Museen der Stadt Köln) modern-art museum beside Cologne Cathedral: the largest Pop Art collection outside the US, one of the world's largest Picasso collections, Expressionist/New Objectivity works, and an extensive photography collection.
| Option | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | €13.50 | No advance booking required | |
| Reduced | €9.50 | No advance booking required | |
| Under 18 | Free | No advance booking required | |
| First Thursday of the month, after 17:00 | €7.00 (free for Cologne residents all day) | Walk-up; extended hours until 22:00 | |
| With KölnCard | 20% off standard admission (permanent collection) | Show the KölnCard at the ticket desk |
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Ticket Options
€13.50
Check whether a city pass already covers this attraction before buying separately.
See pass compatibility below ↓Overview & History
Museum Ludwig stands directly beside Cologne Cathedral on the Rhine, and holds one of Europe's most significant modern-art collections: the biggest Pop Art collection outside the United States, one of the world's largest Picasso holdings, and strong Expressionist and New Objectivity collections, alongside an extensive photography collection. As part of the Museen der Stadt Köln (City of Cologne Museums) network, it is one of the KölnCard's confirmed discount partners, distinguishing it from privately-run Cologne attractions where the card's benefit is inconsistent or unconfirmed.
What to See: Top Highlights
Pop Art Collection
The largest Pop Art holding outside the US, including major Warhol and Lichtenstein works from the Ludwig collection.
Picasso Collection
One of the world's largest Picasso collections, spanning his Cubist, Classical and late periods.
Photography Collection
Works spanning from photography's 19th-century beginnings to contemporary practice.
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Is This Covered by the KölnCard?
Compare Cologne PassesDiscounted, not free. As one of the Museen der Stadt Köln, Museum Ludwig gives KölnCard holders a confirmed 20% discount on standard admission to the permanent collection — a discount benefit, not free entry, and special exhibitions are excluded.
KölnCard
Discounted. A discount is available with this pass; the exact current amount should be confirmed when booking. Confirmed 20% KölnCard discount on standard admission to the permanent collection, stated directly on the museum’s own official site: "KölnCard holders enjoy a 20% discount on admission to all municipal museums in Cologne." Special exhibitions excluded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the KölnCard include Museum Ludwig?
Is Museum Ludwig free for Cologne residents?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
How close is Museum Ludwig to Cologne Cathedral?
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