KulturKirche Köln

In 2013, the performance by Queens of The Stone Age cemented the Kulturkirche in Nippes as one of the most extraordinary concert venues in Germany. For once, the Queens of The Stone Age - better known for their powerful, loud rock shows in large halls - were not performing in front of tens of thousands of people. Instead, they only played in front of around 400 people - close, reduced, almost intimate. The musicians even rearranged their songs especially for the sacred, outstanding conditions of the church. And showed that the unique acoustics provide a musically impressive location for a wide range of genres.

The rock band's concert, which was recorded by 1LIVE, was later released as the live EP "...Like Cologne". Immortalized here is how Josh Homme's voice occupied the space of the vault on stage, Dean Fertita took up the church organ and rock and sacred space merged in the evening. The acoustics of the Kulturkirche as a venue are confirmed time and again - time for you to get your own impression.

Kulturkirche Köln: program of concerts, comedy, readings, acts

Around 70 events are held at the Kulturkirche Köln every year. The repertoire ranges from intimate singer-songwriter evenings to pop, indie and jazz concerts to cabaret, comedy, readings and performance formats. There is room for international acts as well as local Cologne stars, also in cooperation with festivals. Thanks to this range, the Kulturkirche functions not only as a concert stage, but also as a lively cultural venue where a wide variety of genres and target groups come together.

Lutherkirche in Cologne's Nippes district: in the neo-Gothic style

The architecture of the Lutherkirche in Cologne-Nippes - also known as the Kulturkirche - was designed by architect August Albes around 1889 and is considered a rare example of neo-Gothic architecture in Cologne. Its red brick façade references the industrial past of the former working-class district of Nippes.

A striking west tower gives the church its external stature. Inside, slender pillars rise up to the filigree ribbed vaults, creating a weightless atmosphere.

From the first Protestant church to modern cultural dialog

Incidentally, the Lutherkirche in Nippes was the first Protestant church in Cologne - built at a time when there were hardly any Protestants living in the working-class district of Nippes. The congregation grew rapidly with the influx of railroad workers' families, and the first service was held in the newly built church in 1889. After the Second World War, the building, which had remained largely intact, once again became the spiritual center of the district: services were held here again as early as 1947.

The church was renovated in the 1970s and received its new organ in 1972. Since 2002, it has been not only the spiritual but also the cultural center of the Veedel: under the name Kulturkirche Köln, it brings together concerts, readings, cabaret and festivals such as lit.COLOGNE - as a place where music, language and people enter into an open dialogue.