Frankfurt may be known as Germany’s financial powerhouse, but its cultural soul lies along the banks of the Main River. Home to the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)—one of the most prestigious cultural clusters in Europe—the city offers a dense concentration of world-class art, history, and science.
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Whether you’re exploring the 15+ museums lining the riverbank or visiting the historic home of Germany’s greatest writer, here is your guide to the best cultural attractions in Frankfurt.
The Jewel of the Main: The Museumsufer
The south bank of the Main River (Sachsenhausen side) is a scenic, tree-lined promenade that hosts a string of magnificent institutions. This unique “museum mile” allows visitors to hop between centuries of art and innovation within a short walk.
1. Städel Museum (Fine Arts)
Widely considered the crown jewel of Frankfurt’s art scene, the Städel Museum houses a collection spanning 700 years.
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What to see: Masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present day, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, and Picasso.
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Don’t miss: The subterranean contemporary art gallery, illuminated by circular skylights in the museum garden—a feat of modern architecture in itself.
2. German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum)
A favorite for families and cinephiles alike, this interactive museum dives into the magic of the moving image.
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What to see: The permanent exhibition traces film technology from 18th-century “magic lanterns” to modern-day digital effects.
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The Experience: You can try your hand at editing, sound design, and green-screen technology to see how movie magic is made.
3. Museum of Applied Arts (Museum Angewandte Kunst)
Housed in a stunning white building designed by Richard Meier, this museum explores the intersection of design, fashion, and craftsmanship. Its rotating exhibits range from historical European ceramics to cutting-edge contemporary digital design.
Central Frankfurt’s Cultural Landmarks
Not all of Frankfurt’s treasures are on the riverbank. Just across the bridges in the Altstadt (Old Town) and beyond, you’ll find essential historical stops.
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Schirn Kunsthalle
Located between the Römer and the Frankfurt Cathedral, the Schirn is one of Europe’s most influential exhibition spaces. Unlike other museums, it has no permanent collection; instead, it hosts world-class temporary exhibitions that often define the European art season.
Goethe House (Goethe-Haus)
Step back into the 18th century at the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
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The Experience: The house is meticulously restored with original period furniture, offering a glimpse into the bourgeois life that shaped Germany’s most famous poet.
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Next Door: The German Romanticism Museum, which opened recently, provides a deeper dive into the literary and artistic movement Goethe helped inspire.
Senckenberg Natural History Museum
A bit further west from the city center, this is one of the largest natural history museums in Germany.
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The Highlights: Its massive dinosaur hall (featuring a Diplodocus and a T. Rex) is legendary. It also houses an incredible collection of fossils from the nearby Messel Pit, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
| Tip | Description |
| The Museumsufer Ticket | For €21, this ticket gives you access to 39 museums for two consecutive days. It is the best value if you plan to visit more than two major sites. |
| Museumsufer Card | If you’re a resident or staying longer, the annual card (€89) offers unlimited entry for a full year, including the popular “Night of the Museums.” |
| Free Saturdays | Many municipal museums offer free admission on the last Saturday of every month (Saturday). |
Local Insight: If you’re visiting in late August, don’t miss the Museumsuferfest. It’s one of Europe’s largest cultural festivals, featuring live music, food stalls, and late-night museum access along the river.