University of Music and Dance

The Cologne University of Music and Dance, a unique architectural centre in the heart of the city, looks back on an impressive history.
Originally founded in 1925 as the Rheinische Musikschule, the institution has developed into a renowned training centre for musicians and dancers. The striking modern, brutalist architecture of the main building, designed by the Cologne architects' collective Werkgruppe 7 and Bauturm, symbolises the dynamic combination of tradition and innovation that is lived here.

Thanks to the training of numerous internationally successful artists, such as the composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, the university has had a significant influence on cultural life far beyond the city limits. Its alumni make their mark worldwide and carry Cologne's rich cultural heritage out into the world.

The university's state-of-the-art infrastructure, which includes innovative digital studios and dance halls in addition to traditional classrooms, creates a creative atmosphere that inspires students, teachers and visitors alike. The university is not only a place of artistic creation, but also a space for social engagement.

Thanks to its diverse range and international staff of teachers and students, the Cologne University of Music and Dance embodies the open, creative and lively flair of the city and invites a profound dialogue between past, present and future.
A visit is an enriching experience for those interested in art and culture as well as for those who want to discover the architectural features and inspiring stories behind these walls.