Stadel Museum | Frankfurt

Städel Museum – In Detail

The Städel Museum (officially known as the Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie) is one of Germany’s premier art museums, located in Frankfurt. With its vast and diverse collection of art spanning over 700 years, it is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country and an essential stop for art enthusiasts visiting Frankfurt.

Overview

• Location: The Städel Museum is situated on the Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank) in central Frankfurt, alongside the River Main, making it easily accessible to both tourists and locals.
• Founded: The museum was founded in 1815 by the banker and art collector Johann Friedrich Städel. It has since grown to become a major institution for the fine arts in Germany.
• Collection: The Städel’s collection covers a broad range of European art, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period, with notable strengths in Old Masters, modern art, and photography.

History

Foundation:

• The museum was established when Johann Friedrich Städel bequeathed his art collection to the city of Frankfurt, along with funds for the construction of the museum building. His aim was to provide the public with access to high-quality art, fostering both cultural enrichment and education.
• The museum initially opened in 1816 in a building near the Frankfurt Opera House, before moving to its current location on the Museumsufer in 1878.

Expansion and Renovation:

• The Städel Museum has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate its growing collection. In 1991, a new wing was added, and in 2012, the museum completed a major renovation project designed by Norman Foster to expand its exhibition spaces and improve facilities.
• The renovation included the creation of a large, underground gallery space, seamlessly integrating modern architectural elements with the original 19th-century building.

Key Features and Collections

The Städel Museum is renowned for its comprehensive collection that spans several centuries, with key highlights in various areas of art history.

Old Masters (14th – 18th Century):

• The museum boasts an outstanding collection of works by some of the most famous European artists from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods.
• Notable works include masterpieces by:
  • Johannes Vermeer – The Geographer and The Astronomer.
  • Rembrandt van Rijn – Portrait of a Man and various other portraits.
  • Jan van Eyck – The Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele.
  • Albrecht Dürer – Self-Portrait.
  • Peter Paul Rubens – The Three Graces.
• The collection also includes works by Caravaggio, Botticelli, El Greco, Hans Holbein the Younger, and many other influential painters.

Modern Art (19th – 20th Century):

• The Städel is known for its impressive collection of modern art, which includes works from the Impressionist, Expressionist, and Post-Impressionist periods, as well as the early 20th century.
• Major artists represented include:
  • Claude Monet – Water Lilies series.
  • Edvard Munch – The Scream (reproduction, the original is in Oslo).
  • Paul Cézanne – Mont Sainte-Victoire and other works.
  • Vincent van Gogh – Self-Portrait and landscape works.
  • Georges Braque – works from the Cubist period.
  • Max Beckmann – a key figure of German Expressionism.
• The collection also showcases key works from French Fauvism and German Expressionism, reflecting the dynamism and innovation of modern art movements.

Contemporary Art (20th – 21st Century):

• The Städel’s collection of contemporary art is highly regarded and includes paintings, sculptures, photography, and video art.
• Artists represented include:
  • Gerhard Richter – known for his abstract and photo-realistic works.
  • Andy Warhol – with iconic pop art pieces.
  • Joseph Beuys – a leading figure of German contemporary art.
  • Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer, and Chuck Close are also part of the museum’s collection.
• This section of the museum is regularly updated with new acquisitions, exhibitions, and temporary shows, often showcasing emerging global artists.

Photography:

• The Städel Museum also has an extensive photography collection, which spans both historical and contemporary works.
• The collection includes photographs from the 19th century as well as more modern and contemporary works by photographers such as Andreas Gursky, Cindy Sherman, and Nan Goldin.
• Photography exhibitions are often a key feature of the museum’s rotating calendar of events.

The Library and Archive:

• The Städel Museum also houses a well-known library and archive that are used for research purposes. The library includes books, exhibition catalogs, and journals focused on art history, while the archive contains documents and records related to the museum’s history and collection.
• The museum regularly organizes research programs and events for scholars and students interested in art history.

Temporary Exhibitions and Events

• The Städel Museum is also known for its temporary exhibitions, which cover a broad range of topics and themes in art history. These exhibitions often showcase specific artists, art movements, or periods and feature both well-known works and lesser-known gems from private collections or international institutions.
• The museum organizes various events such as lectures, workshops, film screenings, and guided tours, all of which are designed to deepen visitors' understanding of the exhibits and foster a greater appreciation of art.

Städel Garden

• In addition to the main exhibition areas, the Städel Garden offers a peaceful outdoor space for visitors to relax. Located at the back of the museum, the garden features sculptures and lush greenery, creating a pleasant contrast to the art-filled interior.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

• The museum is generally open every day, except for certain holidays. It is recommended to check the website for up-to-date hours of operation, as they may change during special events or exhibitions.

Admission:

• Admission fees vary depending on whether you are visiting for a special exhibition or general entry. Discounted tickets are often available for students, seniors, and groups.
• The museum offers a membership program, which includes unlimited visits and access to special events.

Accessibility:

• The Städel Museum is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport, including U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations. The Dom/Römer U-Bahn station is the closest to the museum.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps available for visitors with mobility impairments.

Café and Museum Shop:

• The museum has a café where visitors can enjoy refreshments during their visit. The café offers a variety of snacks, coffee, and light meals.
• There is also a museum shop that sells a wide range of art-related books, postcards, posters, and other souvenirs related to the Städel’s exhibitions and collections.

Conclusion

The Städel Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in Frankfurt and Germany, with an impressive and diverse collection that spans centuries of European art. Its well-curated galleries offer a deep dive into the development of Western art, from the Old Masters to contemporary art, making it a must-visit for art lovers. Whether you are an art historian, a casual visitor, or someone looking to appreciate beauty and creativity, the Städel Museum offers an enriching experience.