Artothek Space For Young Art

Artothek Cologne: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Your Guide to the Young Art Space

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Artothek Cologne—A Contemporary Art Haven

Nestled in the heart of Cologne’s historic center, the Artothek – Space for Young Art stands as a beacon of accessibility and innovation in contemporary art. Established in 1973 within the late Gothic Haus Saaleck—a 15th-century patrician mansion—the Artothek revolutionized the art world in Germany by pioneering an art lending system, making it possible for anyone to borrow original artworks for display in their own spaces. Its mission is to bridge the gap between contemporary artistic expression and public engagement, transforming art from an exclusive museum object into an integral part of daily life.

Just steps from the Cologne Cathedral and major museums like Museum Ludwig and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, the Artothek is perfectly situated for culture seekers. With free admission to exhibitions and a nominal fee for borrowing artworks, it ensures inclusivity and affordability. The institution offers barrier-free facilities, multilingual support, and is easily accessible by public transport.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Artothek’s history, mission, collection highlights, visiting hours, ticket details, accessibility, exhibition programming, and practical travel tips. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a local, or a traveler, you’ll find all you need to make the most of your visit.

The Artothek’s Vision and Evolution

Founding Mission

The Artothek was founded by Horst-Johannes Tümmers, then director of Cologne’s Stadtbibliothek, with a revolutionary goal: to democratize art by making it accessible to everyone through lending. Since 1973, it has provided an inviting environment for experiencing, borrowing, and engaging with contemporary art within the remarkable setting of Haus Saaleck (Museen Köln; ViaCulturalis Cologne).

Growth and Impact

Over the decades, the Artothek has grown into a vital cultural institution, supporting both emerging and established artists locally and internationally. Its unique model—combining art lending, exhibitions, and educational programs—has inspired similar initiatives across Europe, though few match its scale and depth (AIC Cologne).

Art Lending: Making Contemporary Art Part of Everyday Life

At the Artothek’s core is its innovative lending program. With a collection of over 1,500 works—including pieces by Joseph Beuys, Niki de Saint Phalle, Leiko Ikemura, and Wolfgang Tillmans—visitors can borrow artworks for a modest fee and enjoy them at home for up to four weeks (Museen Köln). The lending process is open to all, regardless of background or prior art knowledge. Registration is simple, and staff are happy to guide visitors through the process.

Lending Details:

Fee: €5 per artwork for up to four weeks
Eligibility: Open to all; particularly popular among students, families, and young professionals
Limit: Up to four works per person at a time

This approach removes barriers—financial, psychological, and institutional—making contemporary art truly accessible (AIC Cologne).

Collection Highlights

The Artothek’s collection is continuously refreshed, focusing on contemporary works from the 1960s onward, with an emphasis on the Rhineland region while embracing global perspectives. Notable artists represented include Hans Arp, Paul Klee, and a host of emerging Cologne-based creators.

Collection Media:

Paintings: From abstract to figurative art
Photography: Contemporary works from rising and established talent
Prints and Graphics: Lithographs, etchings, screen prints
Sculpture and Objects: Small-scale pieces suitable for private display
New Media: Video and digital art reflecting current trends (Museen Köln)

Exhibition Program and Community Engagement

The Artothek hosts a vibrant calendar of solo and group exhibitions, often aligned with major cultural events like Art Cologne and DC Open Gallery Weekend (Cologne Tourism Magazine). Recent highlights include thematic shows such as “Objects in the Mirror” and collaborative projects with festivals like Cityleaks Urban Art Festival.

Additional Programming:

Artist Talks: Direct engagement with exhibiting artists
Workshops: Interactive sessions for all ages
Guided Tours: Available in German and on request in English; perfect for deeper insights

The Artothek is also a hub for community engagement, offering educational programs for schools, families, and community groups. These programs help demystify contemporary art and foster lifelong appreciation (Museen Köln).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: Am Hof 50, 50667 Cologne
Getting There: Accessible by tram, bus, and train (near Hauptbahnhof and Dom/Hauptbahnhof stations); limited parking available nearby

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed Sundays and Mondays (Museen Köln)

Admission: Free for exhibitions; €5 per artwork for lending

Accessibility:

Barrier-free entry and accessible restrooms
Staff available to assist visitors with special needs
Service animals welcome
Multilingual support; English-speaking staff and printed materials available on request
For specific requirements, contact the Artothek ahead of your visit (Disability Horizons)

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig, and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.
Plan ahead by checking the current exhibition schedule on the official Artothek website or KölnTourismus Artothek Page.
Borrowing art: Bring valid ID, inquire at the front desk or online for details.
Guided tours and workshops are best booked in advance.
Photography: Policies vary by exhibition; check with staff on arrival.
Safety: The Artothek follows local health and hygiene guidelines, including mask-wearing and sanitation as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Artothek’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Friday, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM; Saturday, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; closed Sundays and Mondays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, exhibitions are free. Borrowing artworks costs €5 per piece.

Q: Who can borrow art?
A: Anyone can register to borrow, with up to four works at a time for a small fee.

Q: Is the space accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with barrier-free entry and accessible facilities.

Q: Are guided tours and workshops available?
A: Yes, check the website or contact staff for schedules.

Q: Is the Artothek easily accessible by public transport?
A: Yes, it’s close to major tram, bus, and train stations; limited parking nearby.

Q: Can I visit without borrowing art?
A: Absolutely! Enjoy exhibitions and events free of charge.

Visuals and Virtual Experience

Enhance your planning by exploring high-quality images, virtual tours, and exhibition highlights on the official website. Maps of Cologne’s cultural district and interactive event calendars are also available online.

Experience Cologne’s Art Scene

The Artothek is more than a gallery—it’s a living, evolving space that invites everyone to participate in Cologne’s dynamic cultural scene. Whether you’re looking to borrow art, attend an inspiring exhibition, or discover emerging talent, the Artothek is an essential stop.

Plan your visit today:

Stay connected: Download the Audiala app for audio guides and virtual tours, and follow the Artothek and Cologne cultural channels on social media for updates.

References and Further Reading

Discover the Artothek Cologne: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights (Museen Köln)
Artothek Cologne Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Cultural Significance (ViaCulturalis Cologne)
Artothek Cologne Visiting Guide: Collection Highlights, Exhibitions & Visitor Information (Museen Köln)
Visitor Experience, Accessibility, and Practical Information (KölnTourismus)
Cologne Tourist Information (Cologne Tourism)
Cologne Historical Sites Guide (Cologne to Bonn)
Living Content Interviews (Living Content)