Simultanhalle
Exhibition space in Cologne-Volkhoven that artists saved from demolition in 1983 — originally an experimental 1979 test structure for the Museum Ludwig.
Its shed-roof design wasn't meant to last: the building was built purely as a technical trial before being handed over to art almost by accident.
Source: Wikipedia
At a Glance
- Type
- Contemporary art exhibition hall
- Location
- Volkhovener Weg 209–211, Cologne-Volkhoven, Chorweiler district
- Built
- 1979, as a test structure for the Museum Ludwig
- Architects
- Busmann + Haberer
- Structure
- Sawtooth (shed) roof construction
- Status
- Closed since 2018 due to structural safety concerns
The Simultanhalle was originally intended only as a temporary test structure for lighting, floors and ceilings for the Museum Ludwig – but its planned demolition in 1983 was thwarted when artists organized their own studio exhibitions there instead.
Origins as a Test Structure
The building rose on the site of a former school. Before construction began on the Museum Ludwig, it served as a testing ground for lighting design and various exterior, ceiling, and floor materials. Once that purpose was fulfilled, the hall became largely redundant.
From Demolition to Exhibition Space
Demolition was planned for 1983, but artists intervened, staging studio exhibitions inside to keep the building alive. It has functioned as an exhibition space ever since. The City of Cologne took over management in 1984, and since 1989 a rotating cast of curators has shaped its program.
Program
By its 25th anniversary, around 150 artists had exhibited in the hall, among them Jutta Koether, Kai Althoff, and Walter Dahn. That figure reflects an earlier count; the building has been running since 1979.
Current Use
Structural concerns have kept the hall closed since 2018, with no reopening date set. Projects and events now take place on the outdoor grounds and in the immediate surroundings instead.
Timeline
- 1979Built as a test structure for the Museum Ludwig on a former school site
- 1983Planned demolition prevented by artists organizing studio exhibitions
- 1984Hall transferred to the sponsorship of the City of Cologne
- 1989Artistic program begins being curated by rotating curators
- 2018Hall closed indefinitely due to structural safety concerns
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Sources & links
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-09-17
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