For me, the Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst (MOK) overlooking the Aachener Weiher (check out the spot) is one of the most beautiful places in Cologne! And it was, by the way, my very first spot as a Spotter for Spotted by Locals. For many years it was basically the café with its terrace by the water that most attracted me. Unfortunately, the café closed permanently in 2021. These days, I return for the place itself and for its artsy urban atmosphere.

The Museum of East Asian Art has a permanent collection of Japanese, Chinese and Korean art and regularly hosts interesting special exhibitions. What fascinates me most, however, is the serene, modest and yet breathtaking architecture of the building by the Japanese architect Kunio Maekawa, a pupil of Le Corbusier. I love roaming the building, enjoying the view over the Japanese landscape garden on the patio or sitting on the terrace watching the ducks and geese on the pond.

Good news: On weekends between 11 am and 5 pm, a mobile café now serves coffee specialities and cold drinks on the terrace.