Painter Gerhard Richter Supports Charging Admission for Cologne Cathedral - Cologne Cathedral to charge tourists—backed by Gerhard Richter's iconic artistry
Cologne Cathedral is set to introduce an entry fee for tourists, a move backed by renowned artist Gerhard Richter. The decision aims to fund rising maintenance, security, and operational costs. Worshippers and members of the Central Dombau-Verein will still enter for free.
Gerhard Richter, a Cologne resident since 1983, designed the cathedral's iconic 20-metre-tall window in the south transept. Unveiled in 2007, the artwork features 11,263 coloured squares arranged by a random-number generator, with some sequences manually refined by the famous artist. Initially controversial, the window has since become one of the cathedral's most admired features.
Richter, one of the world's most influential living artists, has long called the area around the cathedral his favourite spot in the city. His support for the entry fee comes as the cathedral chapter seeks ways to manage increasing expenses. No public response from Cologne's residents or tourism sector has been recorded so far.
The new fee will apply only to tourists, ensuring free access for those attending services or prayers. Richter's endorsement adds weight to the plan, which focuses on preserving the landmark's future. The cathedral chapter has yet to announce a start date or pricing details.
