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Museums

Liebieghaus

4.6 · 1,384 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Liebieghaus, Schaumainkai 71, 60596 Frankfurt am Main
Interesting facts
1

The museum building was originally constructed as a private residence for the textile industrialist Baron Heinrich von Liebieg.

2

The collection includes a significant 'Polychromy' department dedicated to analyzing the original pigments of ancient statues.

3

The villa was purchased by the city of Frankfurt in 1907 to house the sculpture collection, which opened to the public in 1909.

4

The museum grounds include a historic 'Villa-Garden' that retains elements of late 19th-century landscaping.

5

The collection contains notable fragments from the original facade of the Frankfurt Cathedral.

Overview

The Liebieghaus houses a collection of over 3,000 sculptures spanning 5,000 years of history, from Ancient Egypt to Neoclassicism. It is situated within a historic villa built in 1896 for Baron Heinrich von Liebieg, an industrialist from Bohemia. The permanent exhibition is organized chronologically, showcasing works from the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman eras through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The museum also features a specialized polychromy laboratory, researching how ancient sculptures were originally painted. Its unique garden, which slopes down toward the Main river, provides a serene setting for large-scale outdoor installations. The institution is part of the 'Museumsufer' cluster, renowned for its academic rigor and specialized conservation efforts. The building itself reflects the Neo-Renaissance architecture common to affluent 19th-century residential structures in the city.

Photo spot

The villa’s garden terrace providing a framed view of the museum architecture against the Frankfurt skyline.

Insider tips

Visit the cafe terrace, which overlooks the river and the garden.

Utilize the audio guide to better understand the scientific research behind the reconstruction of ancient statue colors.

Check the official website for current special exhibition themes, as they often rotate focused displays of specific eras.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk through the entire museum without a plan, as the chronological scope is vast and can lead to fatigue.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Etiquette

Standard museum decorum: no photography with flash, keep voices low, and do not touch the exhibits.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and ensure a quiet viewing experience.
Address
Liebieghaus, Schaumainkai 71, 60596 Frankfurt am Main
50.102, 8.672
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsEgyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities; medieval altar sculptures; Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and ensure a quiet viewing experience..

The villa’s garden terrace providing a framed view of the museum architecture against the Frankfurt skyline.

Close by you'll find Eiserner Steg, Städel Museum, Alte Oper.