See & do · Galleries
Artothek
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Images provided by Google Places
A unique public institution located in a late-Gothic house, allowing residents to rent art and hosting temporary exhibitions.
- Good to know
- Great for discovering emerging local and regional artists.
Reviews from Google
This is one of old building in cologne which you can see near main station.
Despite her somewhat unusual manner – some might even call it unfriendly or impolite – I ultimately found the employee to be very helpful. She took her time, gave good advice, and was very helpful. She also recommended some interesting exhibitions; she really comes alive when you talk to her about art.
Currently, Lutz Driessen's work is on display here. Wonderfully hung pictures; I really enjoyed it. You have to ring the doorbell outside; the people there are very nice. Dogs, however, are not allowed.
The house built here is first mentioned in connection with a stonemason named Theodoric around 1281, when he purchased it. It is assumed that he was one of the many craftsmen at the cathedral construction site, which at the time was only a few meters away. A little later, in 1283, "Saileckin" (Salekken) appeared in documents for the stonemason's house. In 1461, a new building was constructed, with three corner towers. Characteristic are the typical cross-shaped windows and corner towers resembling the style of the Cologne Gürzenich (festival hall in Cologne). After about 500 years, a significant change occurred with the almost complete destruction by bombing during World War II. The facades of the house were severely damaged, and the interior burned down completely. The house was rebuilt in its entirety in the post-war period, using the remaining walls and rubble found nearby. It now houses the "Artothek," which offers artwork loans and hosts exhibitions for (young) Cologne artists.
The banana in art is a versatile, often provocative symbol with multiple meanings. It can represent criticism, but also satire. Furthermore, it's an iconic symbol of Pop Art and the counterculture, notably in the work of none other than Andy Warhol. It can also be a symbol of protest. It even serves as an unofficial seal of approval for outstanding art, as used, for example, by the performance artist Thomas Baumgärtel. A banana is hidden at Cologne's main train station, and there's another one to discover at the Cologne Art Lending Library. 5 stars, no – 5 bananas for the Cologne Art Lending Library! 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌