Kronleuchtersaal

Useful Information

Location:	Theodor-Heuss-Ring 32, 50668 Köln. (50.9506660, 6.9634420)
Open:	MAR to OCT . Online reservation mandatory. [2026]
Fee:	free. [2026]
Classification:	Sewage System
Light:	Electric Light
Dimension:	B=3.80 m, H=4.60 m.
Guided tours:	D=30 min, MinAge=6.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Stadtentwässerungsbetriebe Köln, AöR, Ostmerheimer Straße 555, 51109 Köln, Tel: +49-221-221-26868.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1890	Sewerage system completed.
2004	The Chandelier Hall designated as an archaeological monument (No. 464) and listed for preservation.

Description

The Kronleuchtersaal (chandelier Hall) is a rather curious chamber in Cologne’s sewer system, situated beneath the Theodor-Heuss-Ring. Where several tunnels intersect, there is a large chamber with a barrel vault. Technically speaking, it is a junction structure that connects the northern ring road collector – which collects wastewater from the area around the Kölner Ringe – with the Cleverstraße interceptor. It remains part of the sewerage system to this day and is therefore technical infrastructure. For this reason, Stadtentwässerungsbetriebe Köln (StEB) is responsible for it and offers public guided tours. The site is also used for concerts.

The name refers to its most striking feature: two large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling in the centre of the hall. Not exactly standard fare for a sewer system. To mark its inauguration, two chandeliers and several wall sconces were installed here, and they have never been removed. Why these particular chandeliers were chosen and where they came from is unknown. There is a legend that they were gifted to the city of Cologne by Emperor Wilhelm II.. However, there is also a legend that the city donated them in honour of the Emperor. Emperor Wilhelm II. was due to attend the grand opening, but did not actually turn up. In fact, only one chandelier remains today; the original chandeliers had rotted away over the course of almost 100 years in the damp environment. And so, in 1980, they were replaced by a single electrified replica.

The existing sewerage system in Cologne’s city centre was more or less based on the Roman infrastructure dating from the first century. For this reason, it was extremely advanced, but it only covered the area of the medieval town within the city walls. As a result of the Industrial Revolution and rural exodus, towns grew considerably in the second half of the 19th century. The medieval city walls were demolished in 1881, and the adjacent new development areas initially had no sewerage system. Naturally, the new town required infrastructure such as water and sewerage, and so the city’s sewerage system was eventually renewed and expanded. This junction serves to connect the new sewerage system to the old one, and it also acts as a stormwater overflow. It was developed under the supervision of City Planning Officer Carl Steuernagel. The new sewerage system was very advanced and was therefore inaugurated with great pride.