The Rhine isn't just Germany's longest river ' historically speaking it's also its most important waterway. All sorts of interesting things await you along its banks, particularly in terms of art. Cologne is in fact the home of several of Germany's most attractive museums.
The Roman and Germanic Museum awaits its visitors right next-door to the cathedral, displaying countless Roman artefacts on an area of 6000 square metres. The Ludwig Museum exhibits more modern items, focussing on pop art, expressionism and the international avant-garde. In Dosseldorf, the Art Collection of North-Rhine-Westphalia offers the lovers of modern painting some real delicacies. Twentieth century masterpieces from Picasso and Kandinsky all the way to Joseph Beuys can all be found here. And Benrath Castle is itself a well-preserved work of art.
It was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for Prince Elector Carl Theodor; and everything here is still just as it was 200 years ago, from the architecture to the furnishings. Travelling on downstream, there are many more fascinating exhibitions along the way. Finally, just before the Rhine reaches the Dutch border, you'll come across the works of Joseph Beuys again. Some 4000 examples of this influential artist's work are on display in Moyland Castle, in the medieval town of Kleve.
Kunstsammlung NRW/ Art Collection of North-Rhine-Westphalia
Grabbeplatz 5
40213 Dosseldorf
Tel: +49 211 83 81-0
Fax: +49 211 83 81-202
Romisch-Germanisches Museum/ Roman and Germanic Museum
Roncalliplatz 4
50667 Koln
Tel.: +49 221.221 23 04
Museum Ludwig
Bischofsgartenstraoe 1
50667 Koln
Tel:+49 221.221 22 382
Fax: +49 221.221 24 114