Weltstadthaus

Cologne never disappoints any of its visitors. If you are visiting Cologne with an intention of doing extensive shopping, then here is a life time experience for you. Would you like to do your shopping after entering the stomach of a stranded whale? You must be wondering what exactly is meant by the sentence. Yes, do not panic, whale is the name by which Weltstadthaus, Cologne is better known to its citizens; though some of you might think it as a ship.

This uniquely shaped masterpiece that you can find in the middle of Cologne’s city center was sketched by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano. Like all famous buildings are sometime or the other involved in some controversy this building’s fate was no different. After a controversy of many years it was finally opened for the public on 7th September, 2005.

The huge glass dome of Weltstadthaus does not rest on the frames; instead it rests on the gigantic roof ridge and props. The 4900 square meter glass façade is fixed with 6800 individual disks and 66 glued timber girders. However, in the lateral northern front you would find 4,400 square meters covered with natural stone.

If this beauty overwhelms you, then be prepared for more! You have not yet got into the atrium. This atrium is another masterpiece within the Weltstadthaus, Cologne. It covers five floors thus reaching over 34 meters of height and offers breathtaking view of the Cologne city through its glass façade. You cannot help praising Renzo Piano for masterminding the plan of this building. Three floors in this building are dedicated for those who love to shop. The department store is controlled by the mode chain Peek & Cloppenburg. Within a length of 130 meters and a width of 60 meters, Weltstadthaus, Cologne in Germany, covers a shopping space of 14400 square meters. It has an array of designer labels and you just name a brand and get it here. Once you are inside this building you will feel no matter what the climatic condition is outside, it is always bright and sunny. Credit for this goes to the electricians. They have fitted 4600 lights in a way to feel that you are shopping in broad daylight. If you get tired after shopping then there is a coffee shop and a bistro to freshen you up.

But one thing might disappoint you. You can not get into the dome of the building. This place is only meant for the special meetings and invitations of Weltstadthaus. However, this is just a minor point, considering the beauty and the opportunity of shopping that you get here. So, if you are planning to visit Cologne, you know what should be your must visit destination. Yes, it is Weltstadthaus, Cologne.