Städel Museum

Overview

The Städel Museum is one of Germany's most important art museums — a comprehensive collection of 700 years of European art, from the 14th century to the present. Its underground Gartenhallen extension, lit by 195 circular skylights, is an architectural marvel.

Highlights

• Old Masters: Works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Cranach in elegant 19th-century galleries.
• Modern Wing: An exceptional collection of German Expressionism, including works by Kirchner, Beckmann, and Marc.
• Gartenhallen: The subterranean extension (2012) houses contemporary art beneath a garden pierced by circular skylights.

History

Founded in 1815 by banker and art collector Johann Friedrich Städel, who bequeathed his collection and fortune to the citizens of Frankfurt. The museum occupies a purpose-built neoclassical building on the Museumsufer, expanded with the underground Gartenhallen in 2012.

Visitor Tips

• Thursday Evenings: Extended hours until 21:00 on Thursdays.
• Start Underground: The Gartenhallen contemporary galleries are a revelation — begin here.
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours.