The Richter-Fenster Cologne
Come to my window...
Stephan from Cologne
The Richter-Fenster is a work of art, a stained glass window in the southern nave of the Kölner Dom cathedral. It is so famous that many visitors only come to the church to see that window. I too love to go see the Richter-Fenster with relatives & friends – even if they have been to the Dom many times before. Like me, they are fascinated by the history and the facts about the window. The oldest window in the Dom is from 1260 and the Richter-Fenster was inaugurated in 2007. The men of the Cologne Dom charter were looking for a new design for that spot, and at the end Gerhard Richter from Dresden, born 1932, got the job. The art works of the painter, sculptor and photographer are amongst the most expensive of a currently living artist, but in this case he worked for free.
The Richter-Fenster is spread over 106 square meters and is made of 11,263 pieces of glass in the 72 different colours that also appear in the other windows of the Dom. With a computer, the artist created a random pattern, while lines 1 & 3, 2 & 5, and 4 & 6 mirror each other.
The former cardinal didn’t like the artwork so much -- he even considered moving his seat in the church to look the other way.
The Press wrote : “The impression is spectacular. A huge abstract picture. Held by the 20m long struts... it appears to float.”
Enjoy a meditative artwork in a meditative space.
(Accessible at any time during opening hours - except during church services.)
Cologne Spotter Stephan
About this spot
Our Cologne City Guide
Find your way with 140 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Cologne
Dank Augusta
Picnic in the botanical garden
"Dank Augusta" is a kiosk in the botanical garden of Cologne where I love to go for a coffee or a bite to eat. This is the perfect spot for a picnic!
by
Julia
Krakau
Savoca
Italian deli and Büdchen
"Savoca" has become my favorite café in Cologne's Sülz-Klettenberg. It's an absolutely likable mixture of an Italian café-bar, a deli and a "Büdchen"...
by
Julia
Krakau
MOK
For lovers of art and architecture
"MOK" (or Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst) is one of the most beautiful places in Cologne! Its serene, modest yet breathtaking architecture fascinates me...
by
Julia
Krakau
Café Breda
For all ice cream lovers
"Cafe Breda" in Cologne is an ice cream place I've been visiting since I was little. You're going to be discovering a new flavor every time you go!
by
Lea
Renner
Ecco
Va bene? Va veggie!
"Ecco" in Cologne is a vegan restaurant that also caters to people with special eating needs. I come here with my father who loves the vegan schnitzel!
by
Stephan
Wehrle
Antica Pizzeria Nennillo
Pizza Napoletana in Köln
Hidden in a small street, "Antica Pizzeria Nennillo" in Cologne is a pizzeria you definitely shouldn't miss! Just try their Bufalina...
by
Lea
Renner
Haus Töller
An authentic brewery house
At Haus Töller, locals gather for Kölsch and hearty German fare in a historic setting — come for the Bratwurst, stay for the centuries-old vibe.
by
Julia
Krakau
Rheinauhafen
Veedel or business district?
Rheinauhafen is Cologne’s bold mix of old and new — striking architecture, riverside views, and a spot to walk, eat, or just watch the ships pass.
by
Julia
Krakau
Kolumba
Perfect symbiosis of architecture and art
"Kolumba" is by far my favourite Cologne museum! What makes it so special is the mix of contrasts: old & contemporary, dark & bright, religious & profane.
by
Julia
Krakau
Wilhelmplatz (Flea)market
Snatch at an offer
"Wilhelmplatz" (Flea)market Cologne is multicultural, lively, vibrant and with good prices. The fleamarket takes place once a month.
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Blackfoot Beach
On land, in the lake & in the air
Blackfoot Beach Cologne is a public pool for the whole family! It's not just swimming I enjoy doing here - there's stand-up paddling, archery, diving...
by
Stephan
Wehrle
Heading to Cologne?
140 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Cologne?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 140 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Cologne
Get to know our other Spotters from Cologne
As featured on:
