press release

The Cologne Chocolate Museum – A dream becomes sweet reality
A globally unique place for all the senses

Once upon a time, there was a dream – a particularly sweet one: Cologne entrepreneur Hans Imhoff, a passionate chocolate manufacturer and visionary, dreamed of a place where people of all ages could immerse themselves in the world of chocolate. A museum with history, with an experiential character – and with a chocolate fountain that never runs dry.

In 1972, after taking over the traditional Stollwerck factory in Cologne, Imhoff came across discarded machines, packaging, and historical documents – ready to be taken away. For others, it was junk, but for him, it was treasure. He had the finds restored, laying the foundation for what would become reality many years later.

A collection grows – and with it, a vision
For over two decades, Hans Imhoff collected everything related to the cultural and industrial history of cocoa and chocolate with great care and a thirst for knowledge. Together with his wife Gerburg Klara Imhoff, who discovered the historic main customs office at Cologne's Rheinauhafen as the perfect location in 1992, the vision was finally able to take shape.

After only 13 months of construction, the Cologne Chocolate Museum opened its doors on October 31, 1993 – and became a cultural phenomenon: with around 600,000 visitors annually, it is now one of the most visited museums in Germany.

A world of experience covering over 4,000 m²
The exhibition is as diverse as it is fascinating. It takes guests on a journey through 5,000 years of cocoa history – from the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America to Baroque porcelain art and the Industrial Revolution.

Highlights include:
• a walk-in tropical greenhouse with real cocoa
plants• natural history information on cocoa
biology• a glass chocolate factory where modern technology can
be experienced up close• the chocolate workshop, where individual delicacies are handmade

And, of course, at the heart of the museum is the legendary chocolate fountain: three meters high, with 200 kilograms of liquid Lindt chocolate inviting visitors to sample it. Here, Hans Imhoff's dream is within reach (and within snacking distance).

A place with soul – and a future
The Cologne Chocolate Museum is a unique place where enjoyment, education, and history come together in a special way. It remains a living monument to one man's vision – and an experience that continues to thrill visitors time and time again.

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