In 1979, the architectural duo Busmann + Haberer erected a cubic model building on the outskirts of Cologne on a former school playground. The building was originally intended to serve only as an architectural model for the new Museum Ludwig, one of the most important museums in Germany, which houses, among other things, the comprehensive art collection of Peter and Irene Ludwig. The purpose of the test construction was to test the lighting, wall and floor coverings, and the practicality of the planned shed roof construction, which later became a striking feature of the final museum building in Cologne’s city centre.

After the testing was completed in 1983, the temporary model was to be demolished. However, artist Eva Janošková, who had moved into a studio on the studio grounds at the time, organised exhibitions with other artists and, a year later, managed to acquire financial support from the city’s cultural office, which enabled an ongoing exhibition practice to develop.

Affectionately referred to as the ‘Simultan-Halle’ in internal documents of the City of Cologne, this descriptive name quickly became the official name – both for the model building and for the idea that emerged from it of an exhibition space with a museum-like character, curated by artists and curators.

Since 1989, a constantly changing board of trustees consisting of artists and art professionals has been organising exhibitions with local and international artists in the Simultanhalle.

In 1990, the Förderverein Simultanhalle e. V. (Simultanhalle Support Association) was founded to support the artistic exhibition work and the board of trustees. The association forms the foundation for a changing team of volunteers who design a programme independent of the commercial art market. Over time, the art association has established itself as a promoter of young art practice in the region and as a platform for international events.

To this day, the association focuses on promoting contemporary art, which is communicated in various formats such as exhibitions, performances, readings, concerts, film screenings and workshops, shaping the Simultanhalle as a place of mutual learning. The exhibition programme is not guided by a singular curatorial line, but represents diverse artistic interests and developments that are constantly changing. The principle of ‘design and model’ has served as a framework over the last few decades and encompasses the exhibition venue, the structure of the association and the art on display.

In 2018, the Simultanhalle building was closed for the time being due to structural concerns. The association is working hard to preserve the building and is in close contact with the city of Cologne. In order to continue staging exhibitions, since 2019 the exhibitions and performances have been taking place under the name SimultanProjekte on the outdoor grounds and in the immediate vicinity. Since 2021, the Simultanhalle has been listed on the German Association for Art History’s Red List of endangered buildings.