The model of old Frankfurt
A huge model of the city before the 1944 bombing — the clearest picture of what Frankfurt was.
Mylius — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Calips — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Calips — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Klaus Graf — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Historical Museum Frankfurt tells the city's story from the Middle Ages to today, and is built in two parts: the old Saalhof palace, parts of which date to the twelfth century, and a modern wing opened in 2017 with a sharply angled front. Among its most striking pieces is a huge model of pre-war Frankfurt, showing the old town as it was before the bombing of 1944 erased it — the clearest possible account of what was lost. There is also a section gathering the voices and stories of Frankfurt residents today, and displays on the city's history as a financial and trading centre.
A huge model of the city before the 1944 bombing — the clearest picture of what Frankfurt was.
Parts of a twelfth-century building — among the oldest structures left in the city.
A section gathering the stories of today's Frankfurt residents from many backgrounds.
Saalhof 19, 60311 Frankfurt
Old St Nicholas ChurchThe small red-roofed church on the south side of the Roemerberg is older than th1 minute walk4.7
Saalhof and the RententurmThe Saalhof is a cluster of buildings on the north bank of the Main that contain1 minute walk4.7
RömerbergThe Römerberg is the Frankfurt picture you know before you arrive: the square of1 minute walk4.7
Fountain of JusticeThe Fountain of Justice stands at the centre of Römerberg in front of the Römer,1 minute walk4.8
RömerThe Römer has been Frankfurt's city hall since 1405, and its three stepped gable1 minute walk4.6Yes, if you want to understand Frankfurt rather than just look at it. The city seems modern because of its towers, and the museum explains why: what it was, how it was destroyed, and how it was rebuilt. The model of the old city alone justifies the visit.
An hour and a half to two hours. It is split between two connected buildings, the modern one larger. Labelling is in German and English.
You are in the heart of the old town: Römerberg and the Römer are a minute away, Frankfurt Cathedral is close, and the Eiserner Steg is right in front on the river. All in one walk.