Jewish Museum

Overview

Nestled within Frankfurt's celebrated Museumsufer, the Jewish Museum offers a profound journey through nine centuries of Jewish history and culture in the city, presented across two distinct yet interconnected locations. This significant institution, the oldest independent Jewish Museum in Germany, stands as a beacon of remembrance, education, and vibrant contemporary Jewish life.

The main site, housed in the historic Rothschild Palais and a striking modern extension at Bertha-Pappenheim-Platz, illuminates Jewish history from the Enlightenment to the present day. Just a short distance away, the Museum Judengasse at Battonnstraße delves into the early modern period, focusing on the history and daily life within Europe's first Jewish ghetto.

Together, these two venues provide a comprehensive and deeply moving narrative, making the Jewish Museum an essential stop for any traveler seeking to understand Frankfurt's rich and complex cultural tapestry.

History & Cultural Background

Frankfurt's Jewish community boasts a history dating back to the 12th century, with initial settlements near the cathedral. Over centuries, this community faced periods of prosperity, persecution, and resilience. In 1460, Jews were forcibly moved into the Judengasse, a walled ghetto that, despite its constraints, flourished into a vital European center of Jewish life and learning.

The current Jewish Museum has roots reaching back to 1922 with the establishment of the Museum Jüdischer Altertümer (Museum of Jewish Antiquities), which, tragically, was destroyed by the Nazis in 1938. After World War II and the Holocaust, plans for a new museum emerged, supported by the city and former Jewish citizens. The Jewish Museum Frankfurt was finally opened on November 9, 1988, marking the 50th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a poignant date chosen to emphasize remembrance.

Between 2015 and 2020, the main museum underwent significant refurbishment and expansion, integrating the historic Rothschild Palais with a new, contemporary ‘Lichtbau’ (Building of Light) designed by Staab Architekten. This transformation created a modern cultural center that respectfully bridges old and new, offering an expansive and immersive visitor experience.

What Makes It Special

The Jewish Museum Frankfurt is exceptional due to its dual nature, presenting two distinct permanent exhibitions at separate locations, each covering different eras of Jewish life. The main museum at the Rothschild Palais offers a journey from the Enlightenment to the present, exploring themes of family, tradition, and contemporary Jewish identity in Frankfurt. Here, visitors can engage with an authentic narrative in the historic home of the Rothschild family, a family whose legacy is deeply interwoven with Frankfurt's Jewish history.

Meanwhile, the Museum Judengasse provides a unique archaeological experience. It preserves the excavated foundations of five houses from Europe's first Jewish ghetto, allowing visitors to literally walk through the remnants of a centuries-old community. This site profoundly connects visitors to the daily realities of early modern Jewish life, an unparalleled encounter with the past.

The museum's architecture itself is a testament to its special character, combining the neoclassical elegance of the Rothschild Palais with the bright, open spaces of the modern 'Lichtbau', connected by a thoughtful design that creates a harmonious ensemble.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Frankfurt was once known as the 'Jerusalem of the West,' underscoring its historical importance as a center for Jewish life and culture in Europe. The Rothschild family, an iconic name in finance, originated in Frankfurt, and their former residence now forms a core part of the main museum, adding a layer of historical authenticity to the exhibits. The museum features extensive holdings related to this influential family, including their ceremonial culture, fine arts, and family history.

Another deeply personal connection is the Frank Family Center within the main museum. It's the first worldwide presentation of everyday objects, letters, paintings, and photographs belonging to Anne Frank's family, offering intimate insights into the lives of the world-famous Frankfurt native and her relatives.

The discovery of the Judengasse foundations in 1987 during construction work sparked public debate, leading to the establishment of the Museum Judengasse as a dedicated site to preserve and present these crucial archaeological remains. For a lighter touch, the museum also houses a dairy kosher deli, offering visitors a taste of traditional Jewish cuisine within a contemporary setting.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Jewish Museum Frankfurt offers an immersive and educational experience for curious travelers. The main museum's permanent exhibition, 'WE ARE NOW. Jewish Frankfurt from the Enlightenment to the Present,' guides visitors through Frankfurt's Jewish history since 1800 across three floors of exhibition space. You can explore the evolution of Jewish traditions, the daily lives of prominent Frankfurt families like the Rothschilds and Franks, and the community's development post-WWII.

At the Museum Judengasse, you'll uncover the archaeological remains of the historic ghetto, gaining a vivid understanding of early modern Jewish life through artifacts and interactive displays. The museum provides media guides in multiple languages, including tours tailored for different durations and accessibility needs. The main museum also features a public library, inviting visitors to delve deeper into Jewish history, religion, and culture, and a museum shop with relevant publications and Judaica.

Both locations aim to promote understanding and dialogue between cultures, fostering reflection on Jewish contributions and the legacy of events like the Holocaust, making it a place of both historical learning and contemporary engagement.