Surrealist painter Salvador Dali once said, “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” Everyone in the art world, from the artist, art collector, gallery curator, to the people who simply enjoy the expressions put to canvas, print, metal, and other mediums know this to be true. The inspiration of each work of art stems from the feeling evoked in the piece, and such inspiration is hard to come by. To enter a place filled with countless works of art means to have the chance to explore different cultures and ideas, and no other place achieves this quite like Art Cologne.

Known worldwide for its exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, Art Cologne features over 200 galleries with works from over 2,000 artists from around the world. Since the 1980s, Art Cologne has made a home of Cologne, Germany each November at the Cologne-Deutz Exhibition Centre.

Art Cologne aims to inspire art collectors, artists, museum curators, and those interested in the different expressions art has to offer. This international event features various art mediums, from sculptures to photography to paintings to video. The works of art included in the event are broken up into sections: modern art, postwar art, and contemporary art. In the past few years, the Art Director of Art Cologne, Daniel Hug, added two new galleries to the fair: one that seeks to feature and support new artists through publicity and scholarship and another for “cutting edge” art wanting more exposure.

Art Cologne is the oldest art show in the world still running today. In 1967, German-based gallery owners Hein Stünke and Rudolf Zwirner noticed a declining interest in art, more particularly, modern and contemporary art. Just over two decades after World War II and now in the midst of heavy industrialism and political uncertainty between East Germany and West Germany, society stopped focusing as much on art. Stünke and Zwirner wanted to change that and reignite a passion for these periods of art in West Germany.

The duo came up with the concept of an art fair that would allow anyone and everyone interested or involved in the art world to come together in the name of art. Zwirner and Stünke also wanted such an art show to promote artists from around the world, drawing in international buyers. Since its debut, Art Cologne has steadily grown in popularity to reach the prestige it holds today.

From 1974 to 1983, Art Cologne bounced back and forth between Cologne and Düsseldorf every other year until finally settling in Cologne permanently. The tradeshow halls that host the many works of art during Art Cologne also hold their own histories, once being the site of medieval festivals, banquets, and later, a merchants’ hall. In 2018, Art Cologne amassed over 52,000 visitors and hopes to increase its numbers each year.

Art Cologne is one of the largest art fairs in the world featuring modern and contemporary art. It is unique in its wide variety of artists featured as well as the chance for visitors to simply enjoy each art piece included in the show. This year, Art Cologne will be hosting modern works from German-based galleries Klaus Benden and Schlichtenmaier as well as contemporary works from the Austrian gallery EXILE. Contemporary art such as the works provided by the German gallery alexander levy will also be present at the fair.

While these two sections comprise the larger collections of art to be featured at the festival, the other sections will be just as much of an experience. Art Cologne has a collaborations section exposing the different projects that artists have worked together on in order to create masterpieces. The Neumarkt section is designated for works of art less than 10 years old, giving new artists the chance to be seen while the New Positions section is a recent addition that provides solo artists the opportunity to connect with other artists, curators, and collectors. In essence, each section is guaranteed to suit any visitor’s taste. At the end of the five-day festival, Art Cologne awards one artist, curator, or collector with €10,000 and the distinguished honor of being recognized in an international environment.

While those visiting the art festival in person will notice extra safety measures in place in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, Art Cologne is offering a brand new feature never before seen in the world of art. For those not able to leave home, Art Cologne is launching a new software that will give remote visitors a simulated experience of everything the festival has to offer. This software, called Neustart Kultur, will provide remote guests with concentrated digital presentations and mediation of the specific galleries and art pieces that will appear at this year’s show.

This program will also allow remote visitors the chance to purchase pieces within the galleries as well as many other activities that a visitor can do if at the festival in-person. This innovative and adaptive approach to the pandemic has launched Art Cologne to new heights. Neustart Kultur’s appearance at Art Cologne has inspired other art galleries and festivals across the world to look to the software as an alternative approach for visitors wanting to interact with the art from a remote location.

After a long day perusing the galleries and interacting with curators, collectors, and artists alike, the luxury and comfort of a hotel is a must. Located just outside the bustle of the city of Cologne lies Althoff Grandhotel Schloss, a 5-star hotel that was once a castle and is now the epitome of luxury and elegance. Closer to the heart of Cologne is Excelsior Hotel Ernst, a modern hotel just steps from the famous Cologne Cathedral.

Similarly, the food and drink culture of Cologne is nothing short of entertaining and relaxing. Art Cologne’s website offers an extensive list of restaurants and bars perfect for an evening after walking the galleries. Such locations provide the perfect opportunity to see the city at night. Some of Art Cologne’s recommended restaurants include the fine-dining German Restaurant maiBeck overlooking the Rhine and upscale French restaurant Le Moissonnier. For those wanting to wind down with a drink, visitors can enjoy themselves at any of the fine cocktail lounges and pubs in the city such as Bar Little Link, a chic cocktail lounge with a creative cocktail menu and Seibert’s Classic Bar and Liquid Kitchen, a popular bar known for its classic drinks done right.

Cologne is a city bursting with energy and a passion for art and culture, and Art Cologne is at the heart of it. No other art festival in the world will see such a community of artists, curators, collectors, and those fascinated in the culture of art, come together in such a moving way. With one of the largest showings of modern and contemporary art pieces in the world, Art Cologne has established itself as the art festival to visit to be inspired through the beauty of art.