Next to the old City Hall, the ruins of the ancient Synagogue have been excavated. Until the year 1424, the city's Jewish community lived in the area surrounding this site.
In late 2011, a spectacular piece of jewelry was discovered at the site; it is believed to have been lost, as it was found within the remains of the houses' ancient sewage system.
A museum is currently under construction to tell the story of the city's Jewish community. It is being built directly atop the ruins, allowing visitors to tour and explore the site in a highly educational and engaging manner.
The museum will be named MiQua (the name stands for "Museum im Quartier" — Museum in the Quarter — and refers to the 6,000 m² excavation area located within Cologne's Archaeological Quarter, right next to Rathausplatz). In the future, visitors can look forward to a unique museum in the heart of Cologne that brings together 2,000 years of history and culture in a fascinating way.
You will encounter impressive archaeological finds that bring the Roman and Jewish periods to life. Highlights of the museum will include an underground tour of the excavations of the Roman governor's palace—the Praetorium—as well as tours of the Jewish Quarter and the Christian goldsmiths' quarter.
Featuring state-of-the-art technology and interactive elements, this journey through time promises to be an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
The official opening is currently scheduled for December 2027.
Opening
The museum is not yet ready, and the ruins are not yet open to the public.
Address
Rathausplatz