The Chelsea was to Cologne’s art scene in the 80s, what Studio 54 was
to New York in the 70s – a stage and a platform for artists. Both locations
became legendary, but only the Chelsea can claim to be a living legend.
The art-loving philosopher Dr Peters converted this former transport hotel
with drab floral wallpaper, into a “livable museum” for modern art. Initially, he didn’t have much of a plan for this scarcely attractive building, which looked like a chunk of bone. All this changed when Martin Kippenberger gave him a week’s lodgings in exchange for art. Word got around to other artists who lined up to follow in Kippenberger’s footsteps; now you can find art that
is in some way personally connected with the room it’s located in, with works
from the likes of like Georg Condo, Georg Doukoupil and Andreas Schulze.
Most recently, Richard Wright installed a work in the deconstructivist roof
of a beautiful apartment, which, has a terrace with unbeatable
views. In 2001, the 60-year anniversary of this peculiar box was celebrated
by the installation of an over-sized, crumpled up piece of paper. If you find
your way underneath it, you’ll find yourself enthroned in the rather casual
Kippenberger Suite, homage to the artist who set the scene for what would
come. Exceptionally beautiful black and white photos evoke the charismatic
artist who died, before his time- a legend. Soon, Dr Peters’ daughter will take
over the reins. Long Live the Chelsea!
Jülicher Strasse 1
50674 Cologne
phone: +49 221 207150
price: double from 82 €
