10 museums in the Rhineland for everyone who loves art and history

International Museum Day on 18 May is the perfect occasion to rediscover culture. Between Essen and the North Eifel region, the Rhineland is home to numerous museums with top-class exhibitions, impressive architecture and exciting insights into art and history. These ten museums are our favourites - for the curious, connoisseurs and anyone who wants to become one.

Our top 5 for everyone who loves art

1st Museum Ludwig, Cologne - Pop Art & Picasso

World-famous for its Pop Art collection and works by Picasso. If you are interested in modern and contemporary art, the Museum Luwdig not over.

2nd Museum Folkwang, Essen - Free admission, big names

Impressionism, Expressionism and photography - the Folkwang Museum offers one of the most important art collections in Germany. Admission to the permanent collection is free of charge.

3rd Kunstsammlung NRW K20/K21, Düsseldorf - Two houses, one claim

The K20 shows classical modernism (Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso), while the K21 offers new perspectives with contemporary art. Further information

4th Von der Heydt-Museum, Wuppertal - Regional diversity, international quality

Sculptures, graphics, works by Claude Monet and Franz Marc - the Museum surprises with high-calibre art in a historic setting in the heart of the old town.

5th Bundeskunsthalle, Bonn - Art, Culture and Science

The exhibition centre shows international temporary exhibitions on art, culture and science. The architecture with its planted roof garden also makes the Federal Art Gallery a special cultural venue in Bonn.

Our top 5 for history buffs

1st House of History, Bonn - Germany since 1945

History you can touch - with original objects, films, audio testimonies and productions on the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. Further information

2nd Ruhr Museum, Essen - The memory of the Ruhr region

In the former winding tower of the Zollverein colliery, the Ruhr Museum the natural, cultural and social history of the region - in an impressive multimedia format.

3 Romano-Germanic Museum, Cologne - Antiquity in the city

Located right next to Cologne Cathedral, the Museum spectacular archaeological finds such as the Dionysus mosaic and everyday objects from Roman times.

4th Villa Hügel, Essen - The history of the Krupp family

The former residence of the Krupp family of industrialists provides an insight into German industrial and cultural history. More information

5th Archaeological Park Xanten (APX) - Roman life to experience

Open-air museum with reconstructed buildings, arena, Roman museum and hands-on activities - a must for anyone who wants to experience history in a lively way.

Tip: If you want to immerse yourself in the world of culture for more than just one day, you can ideally combine a visit to the museum with a stay in a youth hostel in the Rhineland. Our hostels look forward to your visit!