The permanent collection
The Museum Schnütgen has a valuable collection of medieval art on exhibit in one of Cologne’s oldest churches. Many of the works are in and of themselves already worth a trip, such as the radiant Parler Bust, the expressive Crucifix from St. Georg and the unique so-called Comb of St. Heribert, a filigree ivory carving.
The scope of the collection ranges from wooden and stone sculptures, valuable works of the goldsmith’s art and stained glass to rare ivories and textiles.
A distinctive feature of the museum is its largest exhibition space, which dates back over 1,000 years. The stillness and aura of the Romanesque Church of St. Cecilia and the special proximity to the works make it possible to experience their spiritual vibrancy and beauty.
The museum regularly places key works from all parts of the collection in new contexts within the permanent exhibition. It is thus worth returning again and again, as the collection will always have something new to discover.
Museum guests can also visit the museum’s garden. Enclosed by cut yew hedges, it offers a place of peace and contemplation.
“Museum Schnütgen – A Survey of the Collection”, published by Hirmer Verlag in 2018, offers a representative impression of the range and quality of the Museum Schnütgen’s collection. The volume is available in German and English editions in the museum shop and in bookshops.
Opening times
Mon closed
Tues to Sun 10 am – 6 pm
Thurs 10 am – 8 pm
CologneDay 10 am – 10 pm
First Thursday of each month
Public Holidays 10 am – 6 pm
Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1.5., Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, 3.10. and 26.12.
Admission
Adult ticket permanent collection: 6 €, concession: 3.50 €
Combo ticket Museum Schnütgen and Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum: 10 €, concession: 7 €
Group rate permanent collection (from 10 persons): 3.50 € per person
Concession tickets: for students
Free admission: for children under 6 years of age when accompanied by an adult, school students, apprentices, Cologne residents under 18 years of age, holders of the Köln-Pass and for Friends of the Museum.
Tours
Tours: information about our guided tours and individual offers can be found under “In dialogue”. Unless stated otherwise, the cost of the tours are included in the listed price.
Multimediaguide: Themed tours are available in English free of charge.
360° Virtual Tour
The Museum Schnütgen is open for virtual visitors as of 29 April 2020. With the 360-degree tour, visitors can use all mobile devices - including smartphones, tablets or personal computers - to take a tour of the permanent collection. A talking portal lion in the museum’s foyer welcomes visitors with an audio-visual greeting. The tour is currently available in German!
