Museum Of Applied Arts

Overview

Nestled along the scenic Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) in Frankfurt, Germany, the Museum of Applied Arts, known locally as Museum Angewandte Kunst, stands as a beacon of design, craft, and cultural exchange. It is not merely a repository of objects but a vibrant space that explores the evolving relationship between art, function, and everyday life. The museum showcases an impressive collection spanning five millennia and diverse cultures, making it a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Housed in a striking white architectural complex designed by the acclaimed American architect Richard Meier, the museum seamlessly blends modern design with historical context, incorporating the charming 19th-century Villa Metzler. This unique setting provides a contemplative environment for visitors to engage with objects ranging from medieval European handicrafts to contemporary product design and intricate East Asian art.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Museum of Applied Arts trace back to 1877 with the establishment of the Central German Kunstgewerbeverein (Arts and Crafts Association) by public-minded citizens of Frankfurt. The initial collection was formally established in 1885, reflecting a burgeoning interest in the intersection of art and utility. By 1921, it had evolved into a Museum for Arts and Crafts.

Like much of Frankfurt, the museum's original premises suffered extensive damage during World War II. Despite these setbacks, the dedicated preservation efforts ensured the collection's survival for future generations. Parts of the collection were displayed again by 1965, and in 1967, the Museum für Kunsthandwerk, supported by the Adolf and Luisa Haeuser Foundation, found a permanent home in the elegant Villa Metzler. The institution as it is known today truly blossomed with the dedication of Richard Meier's purpose-built structure on April 25, 1985, which thoughtfully integrated the historic villa into its innovative design. This integration underscores a core principle of the Museumsufer, where older structures were often transformed or incorporated into new museum complexes during its development in the 1980s.

What Makes It Special

Beyond its rich collections, the Museum of Applied Arts is distinguished by several key features. Foremost is its architectural design by Richard Meier. His iconic white buildings, characterized by clear lines, geometric forms, and an abundance of natural light, create a dialogue between the exhibit space and the surrounding environment. The museum's L-shaped design gracefully wraps around the neoclassical Villa Metzler, uniting old and new in a harmonious ensemble that includes the lush Metzler Park.

The museum's curatorial approach is also notably distinct. Rather than strict chronological or geographical divisions, the Museum of Applied Arts often presents its diverse objects thematically, exploring cultural values and evolving lifestyles. Its core exhibition, 'Elementary Parts: From the Collections,' brings together seemingly disparate items from various eras and regions, encouraging visitors to discover unexpected connections and ponder the universal aspects of human creativity and ingenuity.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Museum Angewandte Kunst is a central component of the Museumsufer, Frankfurt's celebrated 'Museum Embankment,' an area conceived in the 1980s to transform the city's riverbanks into a cultural hub. This initiative brought together numerous museums, creating a dense and accessible cultural landscape that draws millions of visitors annually. The Museumsufer itself is known for vibrant events such as the 'Nacht der Museen' (Night of the Museums) and the lively 'Museumsuferfest' in August, which transforms the riverbanks into a massive folk festival.

Richard Meier, the architect, is renowned for his use of the color white in his buildings, a characteristic he shares with the 'New York Five' architects' group he belonged to in the late 1960s. This choice emphasizes form, light, and space, allowing the exhibited objects to truly stand out. The museum's collections are incredibly diverse, featuring everything from intricate medieval manuscripts and incunabula to influential 20th-century industrial design pieces, like the iconic Frankfurt Kitchen. It's a testament to the idea that 'applied art' encompasses a vast spectrum of human creation, from the purely decorative to the highly functional.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts offers a thought-provoking journey through design history and cultural narratives. The museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on Wednesdays, and closed on Mondays. General admission is affordable, with reduced rates for students and volunteers, and notably, children and young people under 18 years old enjoy free entry. Furthermore, the museum participates in 'Satourday,' offering free admission on the last Saturday of every month – a fantastic opportunity to explore without cost.

The museum is largely barrier-free, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of visitors. Public guided tours are typically offered in German and are included in the admission price, providing deeper insights into the exhibitions. Private tours in English and French can also be arranged upon prior request. The light-filled spaces and thoughtful layout encourage a leisurely exploration, typically requiring two to three hours to fully appreciate the collections. While photography might have restrictions in some areas, the overall experience is designed to be immersive and engaging, fostering interaction with the fascinating world of applied arts.