“Culture for everyone” was the slogan. Now step into a place where Frankfurt’s story unfolds. This is the Historisches Museum Frankfurt, a treasure trove of the city’s past.
The Historisches Museum Frankfurt opened in 1878. It was created through the efforts of Frankfurt citizens. The museum is the city’s oldest museum that is supported by the municipality. Since its start, it has been dedicated to preserving and sharing Frankfurt’s history. It studies historical objects related to the trade-fair town.
Imagine the museum in 1972. It transformed into a “place of learning”. It opened its doors to all people. The museum focused on socio-historical topics.
The Historisches Museum Frankfurt is more than just a display of artifacts. It is a journey through time. The museum shows Frankfurt’s journey to becoming a metropolis from 1866 to 2001. Special exhibitions add to the experience.
Marvel at the Heller Altarpiece. Albrecht Dürer created this masterpiece in 1508 for the Dominican cloister. View Alfred Rethel’s painting from 1840. It depicts the reconciliation of Emperor Otto I with his brother Heinrich in Frankfurt am Main in 941.
Don’t miss Johannes Schöner’s terrestrial globe. It was crafted around 1515 from wood and papier-mâché. A highlight is the Treuner Brothers’ model. It shows the old town before the World War II bombings.
The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and stained glass. Discover the endowment of Prince-Primate Carl von Dalberg. He gave it to the Museum Society in 1808. See the collections of Johann Valentin Prehn’s heirs and Johann Georg Christian Daems’. They donated to the city of Frankfurt in 1839 and 1845.
Dalberg acquired paintings from secularized churches and monasteries. These included works by Dürer and the Master of Frankfurt. Prehn’s collection combines over 800 miniature paintings. It also features over 30 large-format paintings. The Daems collection includes paintings by German and Dutch artists.
The Historisches Museum Frankfurt is responsible for paintings from the town hall. It also oversees paintings from the Kaisersall in the Römer. These works are crucial to Frankfurt’s self-image.
The stained-glass collection features 120 objects. These mostly come from Frankfurt churches and monasteries. See figured panes from the cathedral. The panes date back to the 13th century.
In 2006, the Heimatmuseum opened. It brings the history of Niederrad closer to the people. The Heimatmuseum hosts exhibitions and readings. Senior citizens share stories. School classes marvel at old objects. The museum garden is for relaxation.
The Historisches Museum Frankfurt continues to evolve. It preserves the past. It engages with the present. The museum looks forward to the future. It invites everyone to explore Frankfurt’s rich history.