Growing up in Cologne, Annabelle Selldorf looked up to her father, the architect Herbert Selldorf, whose modernist work was known for its elegance and subtlety. In 1980, she moved to New York City to study architecture at the Pratt Institute. Soon after, she landed a job with Richard Gluckman and then pursued a master’s degree at Syracuse University in Florence.
She founded her own firm in 1988 and began specializing in gallery spaces, quickly becoming the art world’s star architect. Her clients include Hauser & Wirth, Gagosian, the Gladstone Gallery, and David Zwirner. Most recently, she completed a five-year renovation of Manhattan’s Frick Collection, preserving the museum’s intimate atmosphere while modernizing its galleries.
Here, the architect shares her guide to the best restaurants, sights, and shops in her hometown.
HAUS TÖLLER
Authentic in every way, this excellent pub has barely changed since its interior was built in the 19th century. They also serve local rustic dishes. (haus-toeller.de)
Cologne Cathedral
Not much convincing is needed to recommend a visit to this beautiful gothic cathedral, which survived the bombings of both world wars. Be sure not to miss the large stained-glass window in the south transept, designed by Gerhard Richter.
KOLUMBA ART MUSEUM OF THE ARCHDIOCESE COLOGNE
One of the oldest museums in Cologne, Kolumba is the archdiocese’s museum of art, located on the historic site of the former St. Kolumba church. Visitors can see the ruins of the church, as well as a 1950 chapel by Gottfried Boehm, both of which were integrated into the museum’s 2007 design by the architect Peter Zumthor. Comprising 16 rooms of varying sizes and proportions, the museum is filled with natural light from expansive windows and skylights and unified by a palette of closely related materials, from limestone to clay plaster. Zumthor’s structure offers an introspective setting for a collection that spans from late antiquity to today. (kolumba.de)
Museum Ludwig
Right next to the cathedral, this museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Particularly noteworthy are its unique Pop Art pieces and consistently interesting temporary exhibitions. (museum-ludwig.de)
Galerie Gisela Captain
Since its founding in 1986, this gallery, with its international roster of contemporary artists, has remained a consistent and influential voice in the art world. (galeriecapitain.de)
WALLRAF-RICHARTZ-MUSEUM & FONDATION CORBOUD
This museum’s collection, which dates back to 1824, is primarily focused on Medieval, Renaissance, and Impressionist art. Its building was designed in 2001 by Oswald Matthias Ungers on the site of an ancient Roman Temple. (wallraf.museum)
BUCHHANDLUNG WALTHER KÖNIG
One of the best and most comprehensive art and architecture bookstores in the world. For more than 60 years, Buchhandlung has offered an astonishingly wide selection assembled with knowledge, expertise, and passion. Don’t miss the antiquarian section. (buchhandlung-walther-koenig.de)
Rudolf Klein, Goldschmiedemeister
Rudolf Klein’s distinct and fine aesthetic is rooted in his passion for precious stones and other materials. He makes beautiful and timeless bespoke jewelry with exquisite craft.
Hänneschen-Theater
A traditional puppetry theater established in 1802. Its plays, a testament to Cologne’s dry sense of humor, portray the characters of local people speaking in the local dialect. It’s a source of never-ending amusement. (haenneschen.de)