Farina Fragrance Museum, Cologne

One of the popular tourist attractions in Cologne is the Fragrance Museum and Shop. This shop is across the City Hall and close to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Founded in 1709 by John Maria Farina to provide visitors with an insight into the art of producing perfumes, the museum is the eldest fragrance factory still standing and houses the registered office since 1723. Here you will see how perfume is produced using different methods. Over several floors, the museum provides a very detailed insight into the production methods of perfume throughout the various stages. The focus is primarily laid on Eau de Cologne, and you will, therefore, discover some particular technical devices such as distillation apparatus which were once used. In addition to the equipment, you will also be able to witness the evolution thanks to various pictures and documents which help trace back history. Moreover, as copyright didn’t exist in those days, many imitations and forgeries of Eau de Cologne rapidly appeared on the market and a certain number of them are also presented in the museum. Further details as to the changes in the manufacturing of Farina Eau de Cologne are also on display.

A staircase will lead you to the original cellar vaults, right back to those ancient days. This is where scents were produced three hundred years ago. On 25 November 2006, in commemoration of John Maria Farina’s 240th death anniversary, the Farina House was elected “place to be” within the context of the project “Germany Land to be”. On your trip to Cologne, visit the perfume museum and learn all about what this city is popularly known for. Go through an interesting 300-year-old journey unfolding the essence, culture and fragrance of the perfume industry here.

Why You Should Visit:
Super-educational on the history and realities of fragrances.
Takes 1 hour and is very central near the Dom.
You will also receive a small free sample of l'eau de Cologne at the end.

Tip:
Visit early or a day in advance to book a tour, as they do it in small groups and on a language-by-language basis.