A curious tale unfolds at the Kochkunstmuseum. Did Frankfurt, a city known for commerce, truly house the world’s first culinary museum? The Kochkunstmuseum’s story begins in 1909, surprisingly predating similar institutions in culinary capitals like Paris or Lyon. This fact speaks volumes about Frankfurt’s historical appreciation for fine dining. The museum, established by the International Association of Chefs, was a testament to a time when German cuisine, especially from the south, held a higher regard. The Kochkunstmuseum wasn’t just a collection of artifacts. It boasted a library dedicated to gastronomy, a teaching kitchen, and a lecture hall. It addressed not only epicurean delights but also healthy eating and dietary needs for various ailments. Sadly, this culinary haven met a tragic end. In 1934, the Nazis ousted Matthaeus Carl Banzer, the museum’s founder and director. The museum closed its doors in 1937. During World War II, much of its collection was destroyed. The original building, a grand Gründerzeit structure on Windmühlstraße, still stands as a protected landmark. The spirit of the Kochkunstmuseum was revived in 2015 at a new location on the Zeil. The new Kochkunstmuseum, now called Deutsches Museum für Kochkunst und Tafelkultur, carries on the legacy. It houses items from the German Restaurant Museum (1941-1944) and the vast menu collection of Wolfgang Gross. The Kochkunstmuseum explores historical and contemporary food and drink culture in all its facets. It’s a place for discussion, engagement, and research. It also offers seminars and lectures, catering to both professionals and food enthusiasts.
Sternbrücke
Take a moment. Think about all those who crossed this bridge. The Sternbrücke is more than just stone and arches.