press release

An architectural landmark on the Rhine
From a bold dream to a modern icon – the creation of the Cologne Chocolate Museum

"If I get more than 50,000 visitors, I'll build the museum!" – With this sentence, Hans Imhoff made a promise in 1989 that would go down in history. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Stollwerck company, the Cologne entrepreneur exhibited parts of his private chocolate collection in the Gürzenich for the first time – and sparked a wave of enthusiasm: more than 320,000 people came in just six weeks. It was clear: Cologne was ready for a chocolate museum.

But the road to get there was not an easy one. Imhoff and his wife Gerburg Klara had been looking for a suitable location since the 1980s – talks with the city of Cologne initially failed, and even Bonn was considered as a possible location. But Hans Imhoff remained loyal to his hometown: he was convinced that a chocolate museum belonged in Cologne.

In 1991, Gerburg Klara Imhoff finally found the ideal location – at the tip of the old Rheinauhafen, at that time still a rather deserted place with warehouses and industrial charm. Hans Imhoff did not hesitate for long: he acquired the historic main customs office and the adjacent site, including the swing bridge, Malakoff tower, and tug-of-war monument. In doing so, he laid the foundation for what is now one of Germany's most popular museums.

From idea to reality – in record time
Architect Professor Fritz Eller was entrusted with the renovation and new construction. The challenge: to elegantly combine the listed substance of the old customs office with modern architecture. Construction work began on October 1, 1992 – despite flooding and the building being continuously rented out. And what happened next is almost legendary: in just thirteen months, the Chocolate Museum was built, financed entirely from private funds – without any public funding. Hans Imhoff invested 53 million marks in his dream.

A ship made of chocolate – the museum as an architectural symbol
Today, the museum is an integral part of Cologne's cityscape. With its striking shape – a ship-like structure with a bow, portholes, and a symbolic smokestack – it has become an attraction in its own right. It symbolizes new beginnings, the joy of discovery, and, of course, the sweet treats it houses.

From courageous entrepreneur to public favorite
What many initially considered a risky venture became one of the country's greatest museum successes. Today, the museum attracts over 650,000 visitors per year, with a total of over 15 million visitors from all over the world since its opening. One man's dream became reality – and a gift for an entire city.

Press contact:
Klaus H. Schopen
Marketing & Communication
schopen@schokoladenmuseum.de
0221 / 931 888-13