City. Museum. Emotion: Creating a New and Modern Museum in the Spirit of Europe

Abstract

In the summer of 2017, the Cologne City Museum suffered devastating water damage that destroyed large parts of the permanent exhibition and interior furnishings. The objects had to be evacuated as a matter of urgency. In December 2018, the city council decided to temporarily house the Cologne City Museum in a vacant fashion department store. The museum opened a new permanent exhibition here in March 2024.

This article presents the new museum concept, highlights the profound transformation of the Cologne City Museum on various levels, paints a picture of the rethinking of historical narrative and presentation, and discusses the role that city museums can play in an urban society.