- The Odysseum in Cologne may transform into an educational institution.
The City Council in Cologne might convert the Science and Adventure Museum Odysseum into a school. The council will make a decision on this matter on October 1, as announced by the city. If the vote turns out positive, Odysseum will shut down its operations at the current location, allowing the city to rent and refurbish the building located in the Kalk district's right bank. The new all-inclusive school is expected to commence at a different location in Deutz district for the 2025/26 academic year, with a plan to transfer it into the former Odysseum later on. The objective is to complete the refurbishment of the Odysseum by the 2028/29 academic year.
The Odysseum launched in 2009 as "Germany's first interactive knowledge and adventure park." Over the years, its focus shifted towards special exhibitions based on film themes like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park. Currently, an exhibition on Pharaoh Ramses II is running. Andreas Waschk, the managing director of Odysseum GBR, told dpa that they are waiting for the city council's decision first. A long-term rental agreement with the city of Cologne seems appealing to the company. If the agreement is sealed, the exhibitions could continue at another location while several alternatives are currently under consideration. "We are definitely interested in continuing with exhibitions in Cologne," Waschk assured. The recent special exhibitions have proven to be massive hits with the public.
The City Council's proposed conversion of the Odysseum into a school will potentially affect its location in Cologne's Kalk district. Regardless of the council's decision, Odysseum GBR, the managing company, is keen on continuing its exhibitions in Cologne.
