The site includes the 12th-century Saalhof Chapel, which survived the heavy destruction of Frankfurt's old town during World War II.
The permanent exhibition includes a 'City Laboratory' where citizens can curate their own displays and contribute to research.
The museum houses one of the world's largest collections of historical Frankfurt-themed dioramas.
The Rententurm, part of the museum complex, was built as a defensive tower in the 14th century to protect the riverfront.
The museum's architecture purposefully contrasts 12th-century Romanesque stonework with modern, minimalist 21st-century concrete and glass.
The Historical Museum Frankfurt is located at the Saalhof, the oldest preserved building in the city dating back to the 12th century. The museum complex integrates the medieval Saalhof, the Rententurm, and a modern museum building designed by Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei. Its permanent exhibition, 'Frankfurt Now!', uses a participatory approach to showcase the city's urban development, migration patterns, and daily life. The collection features a massive city model and rotating thematic displays focusing on the history of Frankfurt as a hub of trade and political assembly. Visitors explore the evolution of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day through diverse artifacts, including textiles, paintings, and industrial machinery. The museum serves as a research institution dedicated to documenting Frankfurt's social and cultural shifts.
The central staircase in the modern foyer provides a dramatic contrast between the sharp angles of the building and the historic skyline visible through the windows.
Prioritize the 'Frankfurt Now!' exhibition to understand the current social landscape of the city.
Check the digital museum calendar for temporary installations that change frequently in the City Laboratory space.
Allocate time to explore the courtyard area, which connects the ancient and modern sections of the museum.
Do not overlook the basement levels which contain the oldest archaeological remains of the site.
Closed on Mondays.
