Moltkerei Werkstatt

On a backyard of Moltkestraße a true institution of Cologne’s independent art scene waits to be discovered: Founded in 1981, Moltkerei Werkstatt is now arguably the oldest and most long-standing free art space in Cologne. The length and richness of its tradition, however, is easily matched by the number of illustrious artists that have exhibited and performed at Moltkerei: Marina Abramović and Ulay, Gunter Demnig (known for his tripping stones project), Terry Fox as well as local heroines Ulrike Rosenbach and Angie Hiesl are certainly the most prominent names to mention here. Despite or maybe even because of its rich history, Moltkerei has also and always been a place for artistic experiment and offered young artists and art students a platform for presenting their work. From painting and photography over conceptual and performance art to concerts – in its 37 years of existence, there are few artistic forms of expression that have not found their way into this art space. Moreover, Moltkerei’s immediate neighbourhood is not only home to acclaimed art associations Koelnberg (Aachener Straße 66) and kjubh (Dasselstraße 75), but also boasts two gallery hotspots for young art: Natalia Hug (Jülicher Straße 14) and Clages (Brüsseler Straße 5).

Moltkerei Werkstatt