Trier's rich culture is evident both in its historic monuments and in its many museums.

The Porta Nigra (Black Portal), built about 180 A.D. under Roman rule, is the emblem of the city. The Cathedral, whose core dates from the 4th century, incorporates all architectural styles from Roman to Baroque. Immediately adjacent is the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) in early Gothic style. A short distance away, the Kurfürstliche Palais (Electoral Palace) is one of the treasures of Rococo. Strolling through the Palace Gardens, a visitor comes to the Kaiserthermen, a bathing palace of the first half of the 4th century, which even then ranked as one of the largest thermal spas in the Roman Empire. About 10 minutes to the north is the Amphitheater, a Roman arena for fights of gladiators and animals, built around 100 A.D.

 
The Rheinische Landesmuseum (State Museum) briefs visitors on the way of life of the Treveri, a Celtic-Germanic tribe who lived here in the 4th century BC, their Romanization and later conversion to Christianity. Assembled in the Bischöflichen Dom- und Diozesan-Museum are ecclesiastical art treasures from many centuries.

The heart of the Städtisches Museum (Municipal Museum) is formed by donations of Trier collectors. Coptic textile art of late antiquity, Rhenish and Dutch painting, medieval sculpture from Trier and environs, furnishings and paintings of the 18th century together with models documenting the city?s development through the ages form the nucleus of the collections.

Among the most precious treasures of the Stadtbibliothek (City Library) is the Evangelium of Ada, presumably created at the court school of Charlemagne around 800. This and other manuscripts from the 8th century, as well as prints dating prior to 1500, can be viewed in the library's "Treasure Chamber." The Karl Marx House at Brückenstrasse 10, in which the founder of modern socialism was born on May 5, 1818, is today a museum providing an overview on the life and work of Marx, as well as insights into early socialist writings in the "Adam Collection".

Also deserving special attention are the Cathedral Treasure Chamber, the Archaeological Collection and the Toy Museum - with more than 5000 objects, a paradise for children.

Presented in the "Tuchfabrik" cultural and communication center are regular exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances.

Kaschenbach Gallery, Fleischstrasse 50, 54290 Trier: In original Gothic rooms, a large selection of art objects, among other things, oil paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries and exhibitions of modern graphic art. Original etchings of Trier and the area and much more.

Maisenbacher Art Gallery, Engelstrasse 12, 54292 Trier:
Internationally exhibited paintings, photographic art, minimal figurations, contemporary art, sensuous marble and bronze works

European Academy of Art (Europäische Akademie für Bildende Künste e.V.):
Aachener Strasse 63, 54294 Trier
The Academy is a place of encounter, where artistic techniques can be learned, experienced and improved. From February - November courses are offered in painting, sketching, etching, sculpture, photography, objects dàrt/installations and much more. In addition, exhibitions and cultural programs are organized in the Academy exhibition hall. Free year's program on request.