press release

"World Tour of Cocoa" – an exhibition full of hope Cologne
Chocolate Museum combines high-tech with heart

"Intowada" – a word from West Africa that essentially means "don't give up hope." It is not only the inscription on a historic dugout canoe from Ghana, but also the leitmotif of the newly designed exhibition "World Tour of Cocoa" at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne.

Covering more than 600 square meters, visitors can expect a captivating journey through the world of cocoa – from its origins in the countries where it is grown, through global supply chains, to the sweet temptation on supermarket shelves at home. But it's not all rave reviews: the challenges of global chocolate production are also honestly and impressively highlighted – from climate change and fair working conditions to child labor.

Hope and responsibility
The exhibition follows a common thread: sustainability. Museum director Annette Imhoff sums it up: "We don't just show the problems, we also show the progress. There is hope." Visitors learn, for example, that maternal and child mortality is declining in many cocoa-producing countries, that more and more children are attending school, and that manufacturers such as Lindt are now implementing their own strict sustainability programs. The United Nations' sustainable development goals are also present—and tangible.

Digital, interactive, emotional
The exhibition impresses with state-of-the-art technology: a multi-touch table, a giant LED globe, interactive stations, and digital dialogue elements bring the complex world of cocoa to life – and make it an emotional experience. This turns education into an experience.

A look behind the scenes
The tour then continues through the modernized "transparent chocolate factory" – a crowd-puller for years. It now boasts a new structure and additional information. Visitors experience the entire production process step by step, supported by media stations, color signals, and clear explanations. Highlight: At the end of the production line, an interactive robot arm personally hands out a piece of fresh chocolate through the glass pane – a moment that delights young and old alike.

The crowning glory: the legendary chocolate fountain
At the end of the "world tour," guests are greeted by a golden stage – for the famous chocolate fountain. Three meters high, 200 kilograms of liquid Lindt chocolate – ready to snack on, against the impressive backdrop of Cologne's city panorama. A photo opportunity in a class of its own – and a sweet farewell.

A success story with heart
The visitor numbers speak for themselves: more than 700,000 guests from all over the world flocked to the museum by the end of 2024. The pandemic could not stop this success – on the contrary: many of today's highlights were prepared and implemented during this time. The question of how to proceed was answered with "Keep going." Or rather: Intowada.

Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Further information: www.schokoladenmuseum.de

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