Morsbroich Castle, Rococo castle and modern art museum in Alkenrath, Leverkusen, Germany
Morsbroich Castle is a long, symmetrical building with a yellow facade and a steep dark grey roof. The central section projects forward under a triangular pediment with a relief sculpture; dormer windows and chimneys sit on the roof. The pale grey ground floor has small windows, while the two upper yellow floors carry tall white-framed windows in pairs, and a wrought-iron balcony stands above the entrance.
The castle's documented history begins with knight Johann Moyr von deme Broichge in 1328; the site passed to the Teutonic Order in 1619, whose land commanders resided here. In 1757 Ignaz Felix Freiherr von Roll zu Bernau had the ruined building demolished and replaced it in 1775 with a Rococo maison de plaisance modelled on Falkenlust hunting lodge in Brühl. Secularisation transferred it to the state in 1803, and Leverkusen bought the castle in 1974.
The museum presents contemporary artworks within the castle spaces, featuring international artists such as Yves Klein and Andy Warhol. The collections allow visitors to experience art movements of the 20th century.
The castle is located about 20 kilometers north of Cologne and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The museum offers guided tours through its collections, and it is best to check in advance about current exhibitions on display.
The museum received the Musée de l'année award in 2009 from the German section of the International Association of Art Critics for its groundbreaking contemporary art program. This recognition highlights its role in bridging classical architecture with modern artistic vision.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,136 contributors worldwide.