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Special Events

In addition to exhibitions and panel discussions, we offer you a varied cultural programme throughout the year. Be part of it!

2026

7. Mai

Kings & Queens: das Schachevent der Uni-Bib

Web-Banner: Schachfirguren und Schachbrett in Grüntönen

Am 7. Mai verwandelt sich die Uni-Bibliothek Köln in eine Schacharena. Freue dich auf ein besonderes Schachevent mit The Big Greek, einem der bekanntesten Schach-Influencer Deutschlands.

2025

Stummfilmabend mit Livemusik "Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari"

© Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung

Am 30. Oktober 2025 um 19 Uhr präsentieren wir den Stummfilmklassiker im Filmforum NRW, Kino im Museum Ludwig.

Night of the Library | Gaming Night from 17.00 to 22.00  o´clock in the university library.

2024

‘Two activist sisters’

On 30 October 2024, we invite you to a colloquium to mark the 100th anniversary of Mathilde von Mevissen's death by highlighting the work of the von Mevissen sisters in the Cologne women's movement.

Talk round: Which art goes into the museum – and which does NOT?

October 29, 2024: Wich art goes into the museum – and which does NOT? Discuss together with our art experts at eye level. Your opinions and experiences are important to us! How do you think collections should be put together and curated in the future?

Nosferatu - A symphony of terror

On Thursday, 4 October 2024, we will be screening the silent film classic at the Filmforum of the Museum Ludwig.

Handover of the Poswick library

Detail of the title page of the Chroniques Belges inedites

The generous donation of the important Poswick Library, a collection of French-language works, was honoured with a ceremonial handover on 3 May 2024.

Wallraf200 – Köln feiert Ferdinand Franz Wallraf

Am 18. März 1824 überließ Ferdinand Franz Wallraf seinen Nachlass an Kunstwerken, kunsthandwerklichen Objekten und historischen Büchern der Stadt Köln und ihren Bürger*innen. 2024 veranstalten die begünstigten Institutionen der Stadt Köln, die Universität zu Köln und die Universitäts- und Stadtbibliothek Köln ein Festjahr zu seinen Ehren.

2023

The University and City Library of Cologne presents the silent film series "Berlin 1927-1930" at the Filmforum in the Museum Ludwig.

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William Skakespeare's legendary first complete edition celebrates its 400th birthday. The anniversary is international - we are also there! >>

2022

100 years USB

  • 100 years of the University and City Library of Cologne

  • View of the UCL building in festive colours.

  • The entrance to the university library lit up in purple in the evening.

  • Atmospherically illuminated entrance column at the UCL.

  • View into a showcase of the exhibition 100 years UCL - a picture journey through history.

  • Some exhibits belonging to the exhibition 100 years of UCL - a picture journey through history.

  • The illuminated reading room building of the UCL of Cologne.

  • The characteristic UCL closed stacks windows are illuminated green.

  • Dr. Hubertus Neuhausen (Director of UCL of Cologne), Peter Jungen and Konrad Adenauer

  • On the way to University of Cologne under a bright blue sky.

  • Musical by Katie and the Swing Aces.

  • Prof. Beatrix Busse (Vice rector for teaching and studies), Dr. Hubertus Neuhausen (Director of UCL of Cologne), Gisela Steinhauer (Presenter), Henriette Reker (Lord Mayor of the City Cologne)

  • Gisela Steinhauer (Presenter), Isabell Pfeiffer-Poensgen (Minister for Culture and Science of the State of NRW), Peter Jungen

  • Peter Jungen, Gisela Steinhauer (Presenter), Dr. Christiane Hoffrath

  • Panel discussion in the auditorium of the University of Cologne.

  • One of the many precious book copies in the Wallraf Showroom.

  • Presentation of UCL publications Kölnische Bibliotheksgesellschaft.

  • Historical book from the Wallraf Collection which needs to be restored.

  • Isabell Pfeiffer-Poensgen (Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia)

  • Dr. Hubertus Neuhausen (Director of UCL of Cologne), Henriette Reker (Lord Mayor of the City Cologne)

  • A big celebration in the Wallraf Showroom.

  • Valuable books to be saved through book sponsorship.

  • Historical books in the Wallraf Showroom.

  • The closed stacks building of the UCL illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

  • The imposing reading room building of the UCL of Cologne.

  • The imposing reading room building of the UCL of Cologne.

  • Impressive panorama of the UCL building.

On March 7, 2022, we made up for our anniversary celebration with a ceremony in the auditorium of the University of Cologne and in the USB. For this purpose, the building was festively illuminated and a varied supporting program was offered. Here you can get an impression of the event.