Garden Hall

Overview

Deep within the venerable Städel Museum in Frankfurt, Germany, lies a captivating modern marvel known as the Garden Hall, or 'Gartenhallen'. This innovative underground extension is not merely a gallery space; it is a thoughtful architectural integration that harmonizes historical preservation with contemporary artistic display. Designed to house the museum's extensive collection of contemporary art, the Garden Hall offers a unique visitor experience, blending the natural tranquility of a garden with a subterranean world of artistic expression. It represents a subtle yet profound evolution of the Städel Museum, providing ample, naturally lit exhibition areas while preserving the beloved Städel Garden above.

Completed in 2012, this architectural gem has significantly expanded the museum's capacity, allowing for a comprehensive presentation of art from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. Its design challenges conventional notions of a museum space, inviting visitors to delve beneath the earth to discover a luminous realm dedicated to modern masterpieces.

History & Cultural Background

The Städel Museum itself boasts a rich history, established in 1815 by the banker and merchant Johann Friedrich Städel as a civic foundation. It stands as one of Germany's oldest and most respected museum foundations, committed to making art accessible to the public and training artists. Over two centuries, the museum has continuously evolved, undergoing numerous extensions and modernizations to accommodate its ever-growing collection, which spans 700 years of art history.

The concept of the Garden Hall emerged from a need for more space, particularly to adequately showcase the museum's contemporary holdings. Urban planning constraints dictated that any major extension could not be built above ground, leading to an ingenious solution: building downwards. In 2007, an architectural competition was held, with Frankfurt architects schneider+schumacher ultimately winning the commission. Their vision was to create a substantial new exhibition area that would not only be functional but also aesthetically striking, all while preserving the existing Städel Garden.

What Makes It Special

The Garden Hall stands out for its audacious and elegant architectural design. Its most defining feature is undoubtedly the interplay between the subterranean exhibition space and the vibrant garden above. Instead of a conventional roof, the Garden Hall is covered by a gently domed green roof, which visitors can walk upon. This 'green dome' is punctuated by 195 circular skylights, varying in diameter from 1.5 to 2.5 meters. These 'eyes for art' allow natural daylight to flood the underground galleries, creating an unexpectedly bright and airy atmosphere that belies its subterranean location.

The interior of the Garden Hall is characterized by an elegantly curved, seemingly weightless ceiling that spans the entire exhibition space. This fluid design contrasts beautifully with the art it houses, offering a serene backdrop for contemplation. Furthermore, the extension was built with sustainability in mind, employing an underground energy storage unit using geothermal drilling for efficient heating and cooling, and incorporating rainwater collection systems for garden irrigation. This commitment to environmental responsibility adds another layer of modern ingenuity to the historical institution.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Imagine strolling through a lush garden, only to discover that beneath your feet lies a world-class art gallery. The Städel Garden, now an integral part of the museum experience, was reimagined as part of the Garden Hall project. The circular skylights, visible from above, create a playful 'polka-dotted' pattern on the grass, inviting curiosity and exploration. At night, these skylights transform into luminous portholes, casting a soft glow that hints at the artistic treasures hidden below.

The construction of this underground extension was a monumental feat of engineering, requiring the insertion of a new basement beneath existing 19th and 20th-century structures. This intricate process involved precise coordination and innovative structural planning to support the upper floors while excavating below. The success of the project is often lauded for its ability to integrate a cutting-edge modern space so seamlessly into a historic urban landscape, proving that new developments can enhance, rather than detract from, their surroundings.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, a visit to the Garden Hall within the Städel Museum is an experience of delightful contrasts. Accessing the contemporary art wing through a central staircase from the Metzler Foyer, you descend into a space that feels both expansive and intimately connected to nature. The natural light filtering through the skylights creates a dynamic viewing experience, where the art's appearance can subtly shift with the time of day and weather conditions.

Beyond the art, the Garden Hall offers moments of quiet reflection. Visitors are encouraged to explore the revamped Städel Garden, relax on benches, and even walk across the unique green roof. This outdoor space, adorned with sculptures and offering views of the Frankfurt skyline, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the indoor galleries. It's a place where you can enjoy contemporary art in a setting that is both architecturally significant and remarkably serene, making it a truly memorable destination in Frankfurt.