Frankfurt museums are a treasure trove of art and culture, showcasing the rich history and diversity of the city. From world-renowned masterpieces to lesser-known gems, there is something for everyone to discover. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most popular museums in Frankfurt, providing as much information as possible about the types of art and artifacts on display, special exhibitions, history and background, and availability of guided tours.
1. Städel Museum
The Städel Museum is one of the most prestigious art museums in Germany and one of the most popular in Frankfurt. With a collection of over 3,000 works, the museum boasts an impressive array of masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum’s collection includes works by such famous artists as Albrecht Dürer, Jan van Eyck, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Monet.
One of the highlights of the museum is the special exhibition space, which regularly showcases themed exhibitions of works from the museum’s collection as well as loaned works from other museums and private collections. The museum also offers guided tours in German and English, as well as audio guides in several languages.
History and Background
The Städel Museum was founded in 1815 by the Frankfurt banker and art collector Johann Friedrich Städel. The museum has been housed in its current location since 1878 and underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2012, which included the construction of a new wing to house the special exhibition space and the addition of state-of-the-art conservation and research facilities.
2. Museum of Applied Arts
The Museum of Applied Arts is one of the most important museums of its kind in Germany. The museum’s collection includes over 50,000 objects spanning a wide range of crafts and design, from furniture and ceramics to textiles and jewelry. The museum’s collection is particularly strong in the areas of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and it also has a large collection of works by the Frankfurt-based designer Peter Behrens.
The museum regularly organizes special exhibitions and also offers guided tours in German and English, as well as audio guides in several languages.
History and Background
The Museum of Applied Arts was founded in 1877 and has been housed in its current location since 1984. The museum’s building was designed by the Frankfurt architect Hans Poelzig and is considered one of the most important examples of early modernist architecture in Germany.
3. Goethe House
The Goethe House is the birthplace of the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The museum’s collection includes a wealth of original manuscripts, letters, and other personal items belonging to Goethe, as well as a reconstruction of the rooms in which he lived and worked as a child. The museum also regularly organizes special exhibitions and events related to Goethe’s life and work.
History and Background
The Goethe House is located in the city center of Frankfurt and was built in the early 18th century. The house was purchased by the city of Frankfurt in 1885 and turned into a museum dedicated to Goethe, who lived there from his birth in 1749 until he left for Leipzig to attend university in 1765. The museum underwent a major renovation in the early 2000s, which included the reconstruction of the rooms in which Goethe lived and worked as a child.
4. Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art, or MMK for short, is one of the most important museums of contemporary art in Germany. The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter, and Cindy Sherman. The museum also regularly organizes special exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as events such as lectures and workshops.
History and Background
The Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1981 and has been housed in its current location since 1991. The museum’s building was designed by the Frankfurt architect Hans Hollein and is considered one of the most important examples of postmodern architecture in Germany. The MMK is also home to the prestigious Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
In conclusion, Frankfurt’s museums offer a wide range of options for visitors, from ancient to contemporary art, from personal items of famous writers to design objects, and from architecture to history. They are all worth visiting and can offer a great cultural experience.
