Artothek

“Borrowing brilliance?” a woman whispered to her companion, gesturing towards Artothek. The Artothek in Frankfurt isn’t your typical art gallery. It’s a place where art isn’t just admired from afar. It’s a place where art comes home with you. Established 25 years ago, the Artothek Frankfurt resides near the Frau Rauscher Brunnen in the Sachsenhäuser Klappergasse. This innovative gallery allows art enthusiasts to borrow original pieces. Imagine hanging a contemporary masterpiece in your living room. You can live with it for eight weeks. Then, if you choose, you can purchase it. The Artothek boasts a diverse collection of approximately 1,000 pieces. These works span from the 1960s to today. They include drawings, watercolors, limited-edition prints, and photographs. The artwork is displayed framed and behind glass. There are also sculptures and smaller 3D art available. Around 300 artists, many local to the Frankfurt area, are represented in the collection. The Artothek’s staff are experts in art. They are happy to advise visitors on selecting artwork. They offer information about artists, styles, and techniques. An illustrated catalog helps visitors navigate the extensive collection. A one-time registration fee of 5 euros allows you access to this unique art borrowing experience. Borrowing a piece costs 11 euros for eight weeks. You can borrow multiple pieces at once. Renewals are often possible. Different rules apply to corporate and institutional borrowers. Importantly, all artwork is insured by the Artothek. This gem of Frankfurt is supported by the City of Frankfurt am Main. It is managed by the “Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer Bildender Künstler e. V. (GFF)”. The Artothek bridges the gap between art appreciation and art ownership. It allows everyone the experience of living with art.