Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen is the section of Frankfurt on the south bank of the River Main. It was not destroyed during World War II and still has large areas with 19th-century villas. During the last two decades of the 20th century, a huge number of excellent museums were erected on the south bank of the Main. The museums are described in order, moving from the Eiserner Steg downstream. If time is limited, give preference to the Städel and the Liebieghaus.

Several bridges span the River Main but, if on foot, give preference to the Eiserner Steg. This pedestrian footbridge was erected in the 19th century as a private initiative to be paid from tolls. However, the city took control of the bridge soon after its completion and opened it for free to all. It offers some of the best views of the Frankfurt skyline. In addition, it is the most convenient crossing point from the Römer area to Sachsenhausen. In summer, many outdoor cafés line the Sachsenhausen bank of the Main.

The Museum für Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt (Museum of Applied Arts), Schaumainkai (Museumsufer) 17, has a collection spanning 6,000 years. The emphasis is on European applied arts from the 12th century to the present, but works from other parts of the world, especially East Asia and Islamic countries, are also on display.

The Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Cinema Museum), Schaumainkai 41, has exhibitions on the development of cinema, both German and international. It exhibits various instruments used in filmmaking and projecting, as well as the development of the industry. At its heart is a cinema that shows mainly art films.

The Deutsches Architektur Museum (German Architectur Museum), Schaumainkai (Museumsufer) 43, opened in 1984 as the only museum of its kind in Europe at the time. It has a permanent exhibition on the development of architecture from the most primitive hut to modern skyscrapers. It also houses impressive temporary exhibitions.

The Museum für Kommunikation (Communications Museum), Schaumainkai (Museumsufer) 53, has displays on all matters related to mail and communication. In addition to the permanent collection, it hosts temporary exhibitions and has a large space where children can experience communication through practical experience.

The Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie (Municipal Art Institute and Gallery), Schaumainkai (Museumsufer) 63, is usually referred to as Das Städel. It is Frankfurt’s most impressive museum, with a huge collection covering seven centuries. The Old Masters’ collection is particularly impressive and includes works by Holbein, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Eyck. The French Impressionists, including Renoir and Monet, as well as the German Impressionists, are well represented. Modern works by Picasso, Klee, and Feininger are complemented by contemporary art. Special exhibitions are often held in an adjacent building.

The Liebieghaus - Museum Alter Plastik (Museum of Ancient Sculpture), Schaumainkai (Museumsufer) 71, has an impressive range of sculpture, with works from the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman periods, medieval sculptures, works from the Renaissance and the Baroque, Classicism, and some from East Asia. It also has sculptures from the Boden Museum in Berlin on loan.