Museum Ludwig

Ira Hoyer★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

This review is for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition, not the Ludwig Museum itself — although I must say the museum is a magnificent setting for it. Even without exploring the entire museum, the architecture already makes an impression. The openness, the movement through the spaces, the way air and light flow through the building — it feels alive and somehow perfectly suited to Kusama’s work. First practical tip: buy tickets in advance. The exhibition runs until August 2026 and entry is time-slotted, which I suspect is also why it never felt unpleasantly crowded when we visited. What impressed me most was how intelligently the exhibition is curated and staged. It begins more conventionally, moving through galleries and early works, and gradually builds intensity. There are quieter halls where you can spend time with Kusama’s earlier paintings and observe how her visual language develops. And then, almost without noticing, you move deeper into something far more immersive and recognisably Kusama. The transition into the large installation spaces is brilliantly done. At one point you are no longer simply looking at art — you are inside it. There is this almost three-dimensional progression where the installation surrounds you, and within it sits another constructed space, creating layers and depth that feel theatrical without becoming artificial. I also appreciated a curatorial decision that many visitors may overlook: the photographs of Ms. Kusama placed at carefully chosen points throughout the exhibition. Seeing the person behind the work somehow makes the art more intimate and relatable. You stop looking only at patterns and installations and begin connecting them to a life and a mind. The experience becomes increasingly bold as you move through the white halls and immersive rooms. And then comes the finale. The rooftop installation with Cologne Cathedral as backdrop is, honestly, a stroke of genius. That dialogue between Kusama’s world and the cathedral behind it creates something unexpectedly powerful and memorable. The museum shop is also worth visiting, with thoughtfully selected items and Kusama-inspired pieces rather than generic souvenirs. Overall, this was one of those exhibitions that feels carefully loved by its curators. Beautifully staged, immersive without gimmicks, and emotionally stronger than I expected. Go while it lasts.

Gökhan Uzak★★★★★★★★★★5.02 months ago

I was lucky enough to be in Köln during the Yayoi Kusama exhibition so I couldn’t miss this opportunity! It was amazing. The place is huge and they created a unique experience. You also see a lot of cool things by Picasso, Warhol etc and the view on the terrace is a die for!!!

Yulan Zhou★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

A lovely museum of contemporary art and there are quite a few masterpieces. A great drop in after visiting Cologne Cathedral. Two or three hours will do as it is nothing overwhelming, and mostly gives a light and joyful vibe.

Cihan E.★★★★★★★★★★5.07 months ago

Its collection focused on modern and contemporary art is already very strong, but for me it has a special place especially because of its Picasso works. Being able to see original Picasso paintings from different periods so closely, and examine them down to the brushstrokes, is a truly impressive experience. They don’t just remain as paintings hanging on the wall – you find yourself wanting to stand in front of them for a long time and think. Alongside that, the pop art and other modern works make the museum even richer. Even if you only have a slight interest in art, it’s a place you should definitely make time for and one that shouldn’t be missed on a visit to Cologne.

yasaman nooshinfar★★★★★★★★★★5.04 months ago

Huge collections of paintings! I saw so many of Picasso’s art works and so many of Warhol’s. The normal ticket was 11 Euros. The place has a nice terrace as well with good view.