Filmforum NRW
Repertory and community cinema in the Museum Ludwig by Cologne Cathedral.
Filmforum NRW is a curated repertory and community cinema inside the Museum Ludwig, right next to Cologne Cathedral. Open since 2006, it presents themed film series, premieres and film festivals and sees itself as a place for film history and contemporary film culture.
At a glance
- Type
- repertory and community cinema in the Museum Ludwig
- Location
- by Cologne Cathedral, just a few steps from the main station
- Since
- 2006
- Operator
- Filmforum NRW e. V., supported by member institutions (incl. Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, WDR, ifs internationale filmschule köln, the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, KölnMusik, KINOaktiv and Museum Ludwig / City of Cologne)
- Programme
- film series, retrospectives, premieres and film festivals, plus talks and post-screening discussions
- Auditorium
- cinema hall with 257 seats and an adjoining foyer
- Tickets
- at the box office; advance reservations are not possible
- Address
- Bischofsgartenstraße 1, 50667 Cologne
Things to do here
- Experience curated film series and retrospectives in the historic cinema hall
- Attend premieres and film festivals right next to Cologne Cathedral
- Follow introductions and film talks with filmmakers
- Discover international films you rarely get to see elsewhere
- Linger in the adjoining foyer before the screening
- Combine your cinema visit with a stroll through Museum Ludwig
Programme & film series
The programme consists of curated film and lecture series with a focus on an accessible approach to film history. Since 2009 the Filmforum's members have jointly devised these series, including formats such as DIGITALE LEKTIONEN, DER KOMISCHE FILM and FILMGESCHICHTEN. The line-up also features international films that are rarely shown elsewhere; screenings are often accompanied by introductions and discussions with filmmakers and media scholars.
Operator & background
Filmforum NRW is run as a registered association and understands itself as a forum for film culture that reaches across city boundaries, covering Cologne and the wider region of North Rhine-Westphalia. It brings together film funding bodies, filmmakers, film education and cinephiles in close cooperation. Individual events are organised and financed by the respective members themselves. In 2026 the Filmforum celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Location & getting there
The cinema is located inside the Museum Ludwig, immediately next to Cologne Cathedral and the main station, making it very easy to reach by public transport. The Filmforum is wheelchair accessible, and induction loops are available for people with hearing impairments.
Map
Blue dots: other places nearby — tap to explore.
Address
Bischofsgartenstraße 1
50667 Köln
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Sources & links
- Official website
- Official website (retrieved 2026-06-28)
- Google Maps (retrieved 2026-06-28)
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-06-30
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