This is one of the oldest museums in the city of Cologne, and it was originally created to showcase local art that reached its heyday during the Gothic period. The collection, which now includes works by big names such as Paul Klee and Wilhelm Leibl, focuses on work from the 20th century. The biggest draw is the famous Ludwig Donation from America, which features works from Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol and other pop artists.

This is the Museum of Applied Art, considered among the best museums of its kind, and it focuses on industrial design stretching from the Middle Ages to modern times. You'll find chairs and other furnishings, tableware, television screens, jewelry, glass, and weapons. Look for chairs by Charles Eames and objects by Mies van der Rohe.

Fitting for a collection of Asian art, the exterior of this building features bold Japanese design and an elaborately landscaped garden. Inside, you'll find art, including crafts, sculptures, paintings and drawings, representing Japan, China, and Korea.

The name means Roman-Germanic Museum, and this building holds numerous treasures from the period when the Romans inhabited the Rhine Valley. Mosaics, antiquities paying homage to Roman gods, pottery, and jewelry are all on display. Don't miss the central feature, the magnificent Dionysus mosaic created in honor of the Roman god of wine.

Inside what was once a church, this museum features the city's most extensive and breathtaking collection of religious art and ecclesiastical treasures. The church itself, St. Cecilia's, is a graceful example of Romanic architecture, and the pieces inside are primarily from medieval times. Look for tapestries, ivories, old manuscripts, sculpture and much more.