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Cologne Chocolate Museum

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Cologne Chocolate Museum (Germany)

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The Cologne Chocolate Museum is located in the Rheinauhafen district directly on the banks of the Rhine and, with approximately 600,000 annual visitors, is one of Germany's most popular museums. It was founded in 1993 by entrepreneur Hans Imhoff, fulfilling his passion for the history of cocoa and chocolate. The building itself, a modern glass and metal structure resembling a ship, houses a comprehensive exhibition across more than 4,000 square meters. Exhibits trace the story of chocolate from its origins with the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs through the Industrial Revolution to modern manufacturing. An absolute highlight is the three-meter-high chocolate fountain, which continuously pumps 200 kilograms of liquid Lindt milk chocolate for visitors to sample. Beyond cultural history, the museum features a tropical house with real cocoa trees and a transparent chocolate factory where production can be observed live. Since 2006, the museum has maintained a close partnership with the Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1251013171919151162
Rain mm746259446468757957617177

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50676 Köln
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Hours
Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-19:00
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Entry
€15.00 adults
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Transit
Bus 133 (Schokoladenmuseum stop)
🅿️
Parking
Rheinauhafen parking garage
Accessibility
Completely accessible
📷
Photos
Allowed
Best time
During the week to enjoy the chocolate fountain
🎧
Audio guide
German, English

Geography

Coordinates
50.93000, 6.96000

Facts

  • Founded on October 31, 1993, by entrepreneur Hans Imhoff.
  • The chocolate fountain is 3 meters tall and holds 200 kg of chocolate.
  • Approximately 600,000 people visit the museum annually.
  • The exhibition space covers an area of 4,000 square meters.
  • It houses a 10-meter-high tropical greenhouse with cocoa trees.
  • Lindt & Sprüngli has been the museum's official partner since 2006.

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Sights in the town Cologne Chocolate Museum (10)

St. Gregorius am Elend

Church building in Cologne's Altstadt-Süd. The church on Elend street serves the local congregation.

St. Johann Baptist

Church building in Altstadt-Süd, Cologne. The church is dedicated to John the Baptist.

Kunsthaus Rhenania

Arts centre in Cologne. Kunsthaus Rhenania hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary art.

St. Georg

One of twelve Romanesque churches in Cologne. St. Georg is a significant medieval building.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 08:30-18:00

Musiktheater Werkschutz

Theatre in Cologne. Musiktheater Werkschutz features performances in music and theatre.

Kölner Senfmuseum (b.a.W. geschlossen)🏛 museum

Museum in Cologne. The mustard museum is currently closed; it showed the history of mustard making.

Deutsches Sport- und Olympiamuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Germany. It documents the history of sports and the Olympic Games.

Drehbrücke im Rheinauhafen

Operated daily between 7 am and 11 pm on the hour. Register 30 minutes prior with the harbor master.

Chocolate Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Cologne. The Chocolate Museum exhibits the history and production of chocolate.

Trinitatiskirche

Church building in Cologne. Trinitatiskirche is a Protestant church in the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you taste chocolate in the museum?
Yes! The highlight is the 3-meter-high chocolate fountain where staff dip wafers into fresh Lindt chocolate for visitors.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy the exhibitions, the production line, and the café at a leisurely pace.
Can you have your own chocolate made?
Yes, in the Chocolate Atelier, you can have a custom chocolate bar made fresh according to your wishes with various ingredients.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Absolutely. There are many interactive stations, a glass factory, and of course, plenty of treats that kids will love.
Is there a museum shop?
Yes, the shop is huge and provides an enormous selection of Lindt products and exclusive chocolate specialties.
Cologne Chocolate Museum: where is it located?
Cologne Chocolate Museum is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Cologne Chocolate Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Gregorius am Elend, St. Johann Baptist, Kunsthaus Rhenania.
Cologne Chocolate Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cologne Chocolate Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Cologne Chocolate Museum is located in the Rheinauhafen district directly on the banks of the Rhine and, with approximately 600,000 annual visitors, is one of Germany's most popular museums.
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