Messeturm Köln, Trade fair tower in Deutz, Cologne, Germany
Messeturm Köln is an 85-meter-high tower at the northwest corner of the Rheinhallen in Cologne-Deutz. Its steel skeleton is clad in brick, matching the exhibition halls, and it is topped by the three-faced Hermes sculpture by Hans Wissel. The tower stands on the Rhine opposite the cathedral.
The tower opened on May 12, 1928, as part of the expanding fairground complex, with the first halls established four years earlier. It reflects Cologne's growth as an international trade hub during the early 20th century.
The tower displays the Hermes-Gesichter sculpture by Hans Wissel, a professor from the Kölner Werkschulen, which adds artistic character to the structure. This artwork remains visible today and shapes how visitors perceive the location.
The tower is located near Köln Messe/Deutz train station and is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can view the building from outside and explore the surrounding riverbank area on foot.
The top floor once contained a restaurant with views over Cologne, offering visitors a different perspective of the city from above. This detail shows how industrial buildings once served social purposes beyond their primary function.
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