The public affairs section directs the U.S. government's public diplomacy program in North Rhine-Westphalia. This involves explaining U.S. society and policies to German audiences representing a variety of political and economic institutions. The office also works with educational and cultural institutions to provide information about the American political system or new cultural or social developments. These goals are accomplished through a regular series of discussions with U.S. experts, through exchange programs, press briefings, the information resource & reference service, and through arranging or supporting cultural events.

Up until September 2007, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate was located in the Amerika Haus in Cologne, a landmark building near Cologne's Neumarkt. Opened in 1955 on the site where Germany's first Chancellor Konrad Adenauer attended school, the Amerika Haus Cologne has served as a "window to America" for half a century, adjusting its program activities with the changing demands of the times. Among the distinguished guests were dramatist Thornton Wilder, dance pioneer Martha Graham, jazz legend Lionel Hampton, soprano Jessye Norman, writers Toni Morrison, Joseph Brodsky, Alex Haley and pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.

A brochure on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Amerika Haus in June 2005 offers a detailed review its history and program activities.
Amerika Haus Köln, 1955 - 2005

The Amerika Haus building will continue to serve as a location for a transatlantic dialogue, as of October 1, 2007 under the auspices of a recently established legacy institution, the “Amerika Haus NRW e.V.”


New address as of Oct.1, 2007:

U.S. Consulate General
Public Affairs Section
Willi-Becker-Allee 10
40227 Duesseldorf
Tel.: 0211 / 788 8927
Email: PADuesseldorf@state.gov