Imagine stepping back in time to 1815. A wealthy Frankfurt banker and merchant named Johann Friedrich Städel had a vision. He wanted to create an art institution for the city. That vision led to the founding of the Städel Museum.
Today, the Hauptgebäude Städel Museum stands as Germany’s oldest museum foundation. It is a treasure trove boasting over 3,100 paintings. It also has 660 sculptures and more than 4,600 photographs. Furthermore, it holds 100,000 drawings and prints. This makes it one of the world’s most renowned art houses.
The Städel Museum’s history is rich and fascinating. Johann Friedrich Städel bequeathed his house. It was on the Rossmarkt, along with his art collection and fortune. His will stipulated that the collection be publicly accessible. He also wanted an art school to be established.
The museum moved to a new building in 1833. This was on the Neue Mainzer Straße. Then in 1878, the Städel Museum found its current home on the Museumsufer. The building itself is a work of art. Architect Oskar Sommer designed it in the Neo-Renaissance style. It is reminiscent of Florentine buildings.
During World War II, the Hauptgebäude Städel Museum suffered heavy damage. A flak battery was located on the building. Fortunately, the artwork had been evacuated. They survived the destruction of Frankfurt unscathed. The Main wing was rebuilt by 1963.
In 2012, the Städel Museum experienced its largest expansion. An underground exhibition hall was added. This provided an additional 3,000 square meters of exhibition space. 195 circular skylights flood the hall with natural light.
The Hauptgebäude Städel Museum collection spans 700 years of European art history. Highlights include works by Lucas Cranach and Albrecht Dürer. Sandro Botticelli and Claude Monet are also represented. You will find Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti too. Francis Bacon and Gerhard Richter round out the collection.
The Städel Museum is not just about admiring art. It is about research and education. It regularly curates new exhibitions. Digital media enhances the experience. The museum enjoys high acclaim from the public and critics.
In 2024, the Städel Museum opened a new visitor terrace. It is called the Städel Dach. It provides spectacular views of the city. The terrace symbolizes the museum’s connection with Frankfurt.
The Hauptgebäude Städel Museum offers something for everyone. There is a café, a shop, and a restaurant. The Holbein’s Restaurant is located within the museum. The Städel Museum has undergone many successful construction projects. These include restoring the Mainufer facade and renovating the Graphic Collection.
The Städel Museum stands as a testament to Johann Friedrich Städel’s vision. It offers a journey through centuries of artistic expression. Its collection is a treasure. The Städel Museum continues to inspire and educate.