Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne

I was a bit disappointed because I expected more contemporary art and Impressionism. It's more baroque and middle age art. However the museum is great, the staff speaks English, and the bag check is free!

Covers art from the medieval period through the end of impressionism (and the beginning glimmers of cubism). Each room has a great overall description of the period (in English and German) covering what that era of art was trying to do that was different from or similar to the prior period. A lot of individual pieces also had more detailed descriptions, but there were many more pieces you could view just to get the gist of the period without having to read another in depth article. I thought it was a good mix of in depth information and just name/title/year so I didn't feel like everything had to be given 10 minutes of contemplation (I wouldn't have lasted that long!). Took about 2.5 hours to cover all three floors with enough detail that I felt more enlightened by the end but not exhausted and overwhelmed. It even has some art that is specifically labeled with kids in mind, but sadly the information is in German, so only helpful if your kids read German. Wasn't super excited to visit initially, but after visiting, would highly recommend this museum. By the way, if you decide to visit this museum and the Ludwig Museum (modern art), you might consider throwing in one or two others and getting the Cologne Museum Pass which provides a good discount of you but the family pass (covers up to 2 adults and 2 kids under 18).

One of the very best galleries! The commentary style is distinctive and there is a good collection of Medieval Art.

Not bad. Pretty decent selection of art work from old masters and medieval to the impressionists. Great number of religious works as well. Art is spread over three levels with each level being a different era.

A great museum. Well organized, beautiful exponates, a good shop and an amazing building.