In 1772 a tragic accident claimed the life of Dr Johann Christian Senckenberg. He fell from the construction site of the Bürgerhospital. He had been inspecting the newly finished turret. This hospital was his final legacy.
The Bürgerhospital Frankfurt stands before you. It’s a testament to Senckenberg’s vision. He wanted a hospital unlike any other in Frankfurt. At the time hospitals were seen as places where people went to die. Senckenberg envisioned a place of healing. He wanted to restore the lost health of patients.
Originally the Bürgerhospital was built between 1771 and 1779. Its location was east of the Eschenheimer Tor. The Dr Senckenbergische Stiftung built it. Before its construction Frankfurt only had the Hospital zum Heiligen Geist. That hospital only cared for strangers pilgrims and the poor. Sick citizens had to be cared for at home.
The Bürgerhospital’s first year 1779 saw almost a third of patients discharged as cured. This was remarkable for the time. This highlights Senckenberg’s innovative approach. He wanted more than just palliative care. He wanted genuine healing. Generous donations from other citizens helped fund the project. The financial burden almost halted construction.
The hospital’s original building underwent many changes. In 1903 it moved to its present location in the Nordend district. This was near the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek. Large parts of the facade including the turret were moved and rebuilt. Even Senckenberg’s remains were relocated. He had been buried in a crypt on the old grounds.
The Bürgerhospital continued to grow. It became an academic teaching hospital. It now handles over 4000 births annually. It is a Level 1 perinatal center. It’s also a reference center for thyroid surgery. The hospital also treats patients requiring long-term ventilation. In 2023 it opened a simulation center. Here medical personnel train for emergencies.
Through wars financial crises and immense growth the Bürgerhospital Frankfurt has endured. It remains a vital part of Frankfurt. It continues Senckenberg’s legacy of healing and care. It stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. A beacon of medical excellence in the heart of Frankfurt.