Schokoladenmuseum Köln, Chocolate museum in Rheinauhafen district, Cologne, Germany
Schokoladenmuseum Köln is a glass and aluminum building in the Rheinauhafen district that offers around 4,000 square meters of exhibition space devoted to chocolate making. Inside are a glass-walled production facility, research rooms, and a tropical greenhouse where cocoa trees grow.
Hans Imhoff founded the building in 1993 after discovering historic machinery and documents from the former Stollwerck chocolate factory in 1972. The collection grew over two decades and eventually led to the construction of this dedicated building on the Rhine riverbank.
The name honors Cologne chocolatier Hans Imhoff, who opened his private collection to the public. Visitors today watch cocoa beans being roasted and turned into bars, then sample freshly made pieces at the end of their visit.
The building opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00, except Mondays from January through March and in November. Online bookings help reduce waiting times, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
A central fountain holds 200 kilograms (about 440 pounds) of Lindt chocolate that circulates continuously and is available for tasting. The tropical greenhouse shows cocoa trees under controlled conditions, helping visitors understand where the bean comes from.
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