Museum Selma: Our Position on the Location

Our shared vision is a strong, nationwide museum of migration society—and we remain committed to this vision, regardless of the location. For over 35 years, DOMiD has worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

Planning a location in Cologne Kalk was an important and emotionally significant step for us. It brought together what belongs together.
Unfortunately, expert reports and the rise in construction costs have shown that building the museum at this location is not feasible under the current financial constraints without jeopardizing the entire project. As the project developer of this major initiative, and out of respect for all the people who have supported and trusted us for years, we cannot justify this. This is not a decision against Kalk, but rather a decision to preserve the existing funding and, with it, our goal: the realization of the Museum Selma.

For months, we fought with funding agencies to secure coverage for the additional costs. We fought for these funds so we could make the dream of the museum in Kalk a reality. At times, this took a heavy toll on us, both physically and mentally, and was an emotional rollercoaster ride. Whenever possible, we enlisted people from our network to influence decision-makers. This made it all the more bitter for us to realize: the tide has turned in this country. We will not receive any additional funding. Taking responsibility for our mission—to bring migration history into the national consciousness—also means dealing honestly with financial realities and the current political landscape. We had to face that.

We see just how committed people and initiatives are to the Kalk location, and we are delighted by this. If we succeed in securing the remaining 33 million euros, we will immediately resume operations at the Kalk Halls—provided that the circumstances allow it. Should another realistic scenario emerge, we will explore it to the best of our ability.

However, we ask for your understanding that, given the circumstances, we as the project sponsor will continue to explore the possibility of a location at the Kulturzentrum am Neumarkt (KAN) and will work to secure a political majority in support of it. Given the current situation, securing funding is the top priority for realizing the Museum Selma.

Even with half the exhibition space originally planned, we can fulfill our promise of a national museum of migration. Whether through collaborative projects, outreach initiatives in other cities, or other creative curatorial and programmatic approaches: we can still create a meaningful representation of the stories and perspectives of our migrant society at KAN.

Let’s work together in various ways to realize the vision of Museum Selma.

DOMiD, March 27, 2026