Archive for the 'Things to see in Frankfurt' Category
The Museum fur Kommunikation
October 10th, 2006Resting on the banks of the Main River, the Museum fur Kommunikation stands in the wonderful area known as Museum Embankment. This fascinating museum is guaranteed to be a hit with children (and adults with an enquiring mind!). The Museum fur Kommunikation takes visitors on a trip through the history of communication, with wonderful tips on how to create your own invisible ink, and how to crack codes. This fascinating museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Wednesday or a Sunday, guided tours are also free.
The Frankfurt Book Fair
October 6th, 2006Anyone travelling to the city of Frankfurt in late September/early October will no doubt be aware of the city’s massive book fair. The Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest book fair in the world, and it attracts visitors from across the globe. The city is taken over by authors, publishers, agents and booklovers, all intent on enjoying Frankfurt’s many delights. The fair itself is only open to the public on the weekend, but the revelry can be experienced throughout the city on any night of the week!
Explora Museum of Science and Technology
October 5th, 2006For a fun day out with the kids (or just inquisitive adults!) take a trip to the fascinating Explora Museum in the Nordend district of Frankfurt. This interactive science and technology museum is located in an old World War II bunker, and it promises fun and education for all the family. Particularly popular are the museum’s collection of holograms and optical illusions, for which visitors are provided with special glasses upon arrival. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Museum fur Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts)
October 3rd, 2006For anyone with an interest in modern art, a trip to the Museum fur Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts) is a definite must. The museum has developed an international reputation as an inventive and forward-thinking establishment, with emphasis placed on emerging, young German talent. The Museum fur Angewandte Kunst also houses fascinating examples of European and Asiatic art, with a wonderful exhibition celebrating Islamic work. The museum is free on Wednesdays and it boasts a lovely café and garden.
The Frau Rauscher Brunnen monument
September 27th, 2006One monument that visitors should probably be warned about before they take to the streets of Frankfurt is the unusual Frau Rauscher Brunnen. Located to the south of the River Main, the statue features a large, very angry-looking Hausfrau, who occasionally spurts water across the footpath, soaking passers-by. Designed in honour of an old Frankfurt drinking song, the Frau Rauscher Brunnen monument occasionally causes consternation amongst unwitting tourists and daydreaming Frankfurters. You have been warned!
Goethe Haus
September 27th, 2006To the north of the River Main, Goethe Haus is worth a visit for anyone interested in German literature. Formerly the home of poet, dramatist and novelist Johann Wolfgang Goethe (author of Faust and Theory of Colours), the museum offers visitors a chance to see Goethe’s writing room and library. Guided tours in German are held each day, while tours in English can be arranged. This fascinating museum is open every day.
The Alte Oper (Old Opera House)
September 26th, 2006On the northern side of the River Main, visitors should take a trip to the lovely Alte Oper (Old Opera House). Built in 1880, this beautiful Renaissance-style structure was designed by Richard Lucae, who was influenced in his designs by Gottfried Semper, the architect behind Dresden’s Semperoper. The Alte Oper was destroyed in World War II, but it has been renovated to retain its beautiful original exterior. The interior, however, has been recreated using lovely modern designs.
Frankfurter Dom
September 25th, 2006Easily spotted on Frankfurt’s skyline is the impressive Frankfurter Dom. The cathedral is located in the east of the Romerberg area, and it is situated next to the lovely Histirischer Garten, which boasts excavated Roman and Carolinigian ruins. The Dom itself is centred around an impressive 15th century Gothic tower, and it is home to two viewing platforms at 40m and 75m. The southern side of the Frankfurter Dom features the lovely Wahlkapelle chapel.
The Museum fur Moderne Kunst
September 17th, 2006Known locally as the ‘slice of cake’ due to its unusual triangular shape, the Muesum fur Moderne Kunst is a wonderful attraction for anyone with an interest in art. This museum of modern art houses in its permanent collection work by Lichtenstein, Beuys and Oldenburg. The museum also boasts an imaginative programme of travelling exhibitions, a lovely shop and a fascinating library. Entrance to the Museum fur Moderne Kunst is free on Wednesdays.
The Judisches Museum
September 15th, 2006Visitors to the city who are hoping to explore some German history, should take a trip to the Judisches Museum. This museum of Jewish history offers visitors an insight into Jewish life in Frankfurt from the Middle Ages to the present day. The city of Frankfurt was home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish populations prior to the persecution by the Nazis. The museum celebrates the lives of famous Frankfurt Jews who were murdered or exiled by the Nazis. The Judisches Museum is located in the former Rothschildpalais.