Romano-Germanic Museum 🇩🇪

Welcome to the Romano-Germanic Museum, an exceptional archaeological institution in Cologne, Germany, dedicated to preserving the rich Roman cultural heritage of ancient Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. Built on the authentic site of a 3rd-century Roman town villa discovered in 1941, this site functions as an active archaeological site. The original building opened in 1974 right near Cologne Cathedral, designed specifically around its most famous floor feature: the renowned Dionysus mosaic dating back to around A.D.

220/230. Outside, you can even trace the related ancient Roman Road. Inside, you will marvel at an extraordinary array of everyday artifacts, coins, wall paintings, ivory and bone objects, medieval jewellery, and bronzes featuring portraits of Emperor Augustus and Livia Drusilla.

You will also see the reconstructed 1st-century sepulchre of the legionary Poblicius and Cologne's former northern town gate inscribed with CCAA. A major highlight is the world's largest collection of Roman glass vessels from the 1st to 4th centuries, showcasing over 4,000 complete pieces including luxury snake thread glasses, figure vessels, and the famous 4th-century Cologne cage cup. Please note the main museum building has been closed for general renovation since 2018, but you can experience important exhibits nearby.

What to see at Romano-Germanic Museum

• The famous 3rd-century Dionysus mosaic preserved in its original location
• World's largest collection of Roman glass vessels, featuring over 4,000 complete pieces
• The reconstructed 1st-century sepulchre of the Roman legionary Poblicius
• Former northern town gate of Cologne displaying the original CCAA inscription
• Ancient Roman Road located just outside the original museum site

Visiting tips

Please note that while the main building by Cologne Cathedral is undergoing general renovations, you can view the museum's important exhibits at its interim location in the Belgian House on Cäcilienstraße 46 near Neumarkt.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Romano-Germanic Museum is easy to reach on Cologne’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Wallraf–Richartz Museum and Cologne Central Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Cologne travel guide.