The German Architecture Museum Frankfurt shines after a long renovation!

The German Architecture Museum Frankfurt shines after a long renovation!

The German Architecture Museum Frankfurt is celebrating its reopening on June 1, 2025 after a four-year comprehensive renovation. Originally opened on June 1, 1984, the museum is a masterpiece by the architect Oswald Mathias Ungers and is the largest attraction on Schaumainkai. The renovation, which was supposed to cost 12.9 million euros, had to be completed due to the corona pandemic with an additional cost of nine percent. This meant that the originally planned reopening for the museum's 40th birthday had to be postponed by a year.

The architect Hans Rittmannsperger emphasizes the respectful treatment of the Ungers building, which was treated analogously to a baroque palace. Rittmannsperger, whose office is based in Darmstadt and specializes in important architectural monuments, explained that all details were preserved in close coordination with Ungers' daughter. The overall process of planning and implementation spanned ten years, with the initial costs of 12.1 million euros ultimately being just under 14 million euros, due to pandemic-related difficulties, delivery bottlenecks and general cost increases.

Goal of the renovation

The main goal of the renovation was to highlight the architecture of Oswald Mathias Ungers without making it obvious to the viewer. Director Peter Cachola Schmal explains that the renovations were designed so that it appears as if nothing has been changed. This was complemented by technical improvements such as new escape tunnels and the installation of air conditioning. In addition, a special Danish glass was used that blocks UV radiation and repels heat while still preserving the color quality of the exhibits.

The reopening will take place on Sunday, June 1st, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., entry is free on this day. The exhibition “41 Years, 41 Objects” is on view until June 15th and includes daily, hourly tours and a children’s rally for children. The museum's regular opening hours will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to explore the newly designed space.

Overall, the return of the German Architecture Museum is a significant event for Frankfurt, attracting both the local population and those interested in architecture. The extensive renovations and technical achievements testify to the value of architectural history and modernization in keeping with tradition.

For more information on the details of the renovation and reopening, visit FR.de as well as Skyline Atlas.