Cologne

The Roman-Germanic Museum of the City of Cologne opened in March 1974 on the site where the world-famous Dionysus mosaic was originally discovered. Since then, millions of visitors have marvelled at the ancient treasures unearthed in Cologne. Whilst the main building on the Domplatte is undergoing a complete refurbishment, a selection of the Roman-Germanic Museum’s rich collections – both high-calibre and representative – is on display at the Belgisches Haus (near Neumarkt). Built in 1950 and partially listed as a historic monument, the building – which has hosted countless cultural events in the past – has been transformed into an architectural gem following extensive renovation.

There, visitors can admire archaeological finds spanning 100,000 years of human history in the Rhineland and 2,000 years of the city’s history. On display are artefacts from Palaeolithic hunters and gatherers, tools and pottery from the earliest Neolithic farmers, and finds from prehistoric burial mounds.

The focus of the exhibition at the Belgian House is on finds from the Roman period: artefacts illustrating luxury and lifestyle in the Colonia, evidence of long-distance trade extending as far as North Africa, examples of local craftsmanship, precision medical instruments, monuments to native and foreign deities, as well as artefacts depicting everyday life in the ancient city. The glittering highlight of the exhibition is the fragile masterpieces of the world’s most significant collection of ancient glass, centred on the unique multicoloured net-patterned diatrete.

Early Christian gravestones and late antique costume jewellery herald the arrival of a new ruling power in Cologne. Richly furnished Frankish graves bear witness to the religious beliefs and conceptions of the afterlife in early medieval Cologne. Covering an area of around 1,000 square metres, including service areas and exhibition spaces, the Romano-Germanic Museum presents some 1,000 finds, ranging from a tomb weighing several tonnes to a delicate Roman gold finger ring.

Adress Museum

Römisch-Germanisches Museum
im Belgischen Haus (Nähe Neumarkt)
Cäcilienstraße 46
50667 Köln

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Every first Thursday of the month 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Information

Römer Straßen Köln - Durch Raum und Zeit

This richly illustrated brochure provides a clear overview of the Roman transport routes within the city of Cologne.

Download as PDF