The Cologne City Council is pondering over transforming the Science and Adventure Museum Odysseum into an educational institution. Their decision will be made known on October 1st. If this proposal is approved, the Odysseum would cease operations at its current Kalk district location, enabling the city to lease and renovate the property. The anticipated all-inclusive school is slated to launch initially in Deutz district for the 2025/26 academic year, eventually shifting into the revamped Odysseum by 2028/29.
The Odysseum graced the Cologne scene in 2009, debuting as "Germany's first interactive knowledge and adventure park." Over time, its emphasis shifted towards special film-themed exhibitions, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park. At present, an exhibition honoring Pharaoh Ramses II is underway. Andres Waschk, Odysseum GBR's managing director, has stated that they are closely monitoring the city council's decision. A long-term rental agreement with Cologne appears appealing to the company, and if successful, exhibitions could persist at another site while exploration of alternative locations continues. Waschk confirmed, "Exhibitions in Cologne definitely hold our interest." Recent spectacles have registered significant acclaim among the general public.
The proposed adaptation of the Odysseum into a school may alter its presence within Cologne's Kalk district. Despite the council's impending decision, Odysseum GBR remains steadfast in its aim to maintain exhibitions in Cologne.
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- As a sci-tech and adventure museum, the Odysseum encompasses approximately 7,500 square meters of exhibition space, attracting over 360,000 visitors per year[1].
- The current Odysseum offerings include a new exhibition focused on ancient Egypt's Pharaoh Ramses II, as well as the "Harry Potter: The Exhibition," showcasing movie set displays, costumes, props, and creatures[1]. The exhibition is open during regular Odysseum hours and requires timed-entry tickets[1].
