Cologne, Germany – The Government of Cologne is currently discussing a proposal submitted by the Documentation Centre and Museum of Migration (DOMID) to establish a special museum that highlights the different phases of migration.

This museum will connect the shores of the Rhine River. It is also expected for the project to represent a two-floor bridge for pedestrians with a 30 meter square- garden on the upper stage. If approved, this bridge will become the ninth to link the Rhine’s shores with the Dome City.

The initiative was warmly supported by Rita Süssmuth, member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) who headed the German Parliament during the Helmut Kohl’s era; Süssmuth was even announced an official sponsor to build this project.

The German Politician said that the migration matter has been a concern for all Germany, and mainly Cologne, as it has hosted the biggest flow of migrants from Iran, Iraq, and Syria. She added that the museum will shed lights on the refugees’ sufferance and struggles along with the difficulties they face in their asylum’s journey.

The project comprises the building of a new museum along many other plans to enhance the city’s public view, given that it attracts millions of tourists yearly, especially because Dome embraces the most renowned Christian monuments in the country.

It is worth noting that the projects’ owners chose Cologne because it has hosted the biggest share of refuges among other German cities.

The “refugees’ boat” which was displayed in the Cathedral of Dome is expected to be featured in the museum – this boat was previously used by human traffickers to smuggle 100 individuals and illegitimately transport them to Italy. At that time, these individuals were rescued by the Maltin police.

The boat was moved from the Cathedral of Napoli to the Cathedral of Cologne in 2016, where Cardinal Ryner Maria Voly prayed for the souls of people who drained in the Mediterranean.