Panopticon –
The Secret Treasures of the Wallraf

Thanks to a top-notch collection of paintings and sculptures from the late 13th to the early 20th century, the Wallraf numbers among the foremost art galleries in Europe. But on its three exhibition floors, Cologne’s senior museum can only display around a quarter of its treasures. Most of the 2,000 or so paintings lead a Sleeping Beauty existence behind locked doors in the depository, a place to which only initiates have access.

On the occasion of its sesquicentennial, the Wallraf is casting aside the shroud of mystery that surrounds this treasure chest and, under the title “Panopticon”, is putting on display more than 500 paintings and sculptures by well-known and lesser-known masters, such as Anthony van Dyck, Gustave Courbet and Johannes Niessen.

This works can then be examined to see if they deserve inclusion in the permanent exhibition. Visitors will have the opportunity to choose their favourite picture. The one with the most votes will be put on show for at least a year.

With generous support of:

Visitors’ Favourite

On 27 November the voice of the public was made known. More than 5,000 art-lovers took part in the ‘favourite picture’ poll, motivated by the chance to clear the way for their favourite picture out of the depository and into the permanent collection for a year.

The competition has now been decided: 
in first place was the salon painting ‘Forgive Us Our Trespasses’ by Walther Firle, dating from 1898; in second place was Christian Rohlfs’ ‘Forest Path in Winter’, and in third place the ‘Yawning Monk’ by Carl Spitzweg.

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t still vote. If you haven’t been able to express a preference, you can still do so at any time before the close of the exhibition. A second favourite can be chosen. It’s not over yet!

Admission

Adults:    8,50 € (per person)
Concession:    6 € (per person)
Groups:    7 € (per person for 20 or more people)
Schools:    3 € (per pupil)
Families:    17 € (two persons with children)

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday   10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Every Thursday open in the evening till 10 p.m.
Public Holyday   10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Mondays, as well as on 24 and 25 December and 1 January.

   How to find the museum

Guided tours and group tours

The Museumsdienst Köln offers individual tours according to your preferences and your desired date by agreement.
For information and booking of guided tours please ask here:

Museumsdienst Köln
Tel.: +49 (0) 221 / 221 - 27 380
  www.museenkoeln.de


Please note that group visits should be announced.