Dr. Sabine Fehlemann took over as museum director (until 2006). After 20 years of unsuccessful thoughts of remodeling and rebuilding, the council decided in June 1985 on a generous remodeling solution for the museum at its old location. The project was carried out by the Cologne architects Peter Busmann and Dr. Godfrid Haberer. By building over the inner courtyard, the museum gained additional usable space. During the conversion period, parts of the collection went on a major world tour.