Frankfurter Kunstverein

Steinernes Haus am Römerberg

Markt 44

60311 Frankfurt am Main

New and Old in the City Centre

The Steinerne Haus, which houses Frankfurter Kunstverein’s over 1,000 m2 gallery space, stands in the heart of the old city between the Römer (City Hall) and the Schirn Kunsthalle.

It is one of the city’s few remaining historic buildings. Strategic modification of its architecture has enabled Frankfurter Kunstverein to fit in ideally with its surroundings. Frankfurter Kunstverein is maintained by its over 1,700 members from the Rhine-Main area, other parts of Germany, and abroad. The city of Frankfurt am Main generously provides the premises and limited funding. Project-related funding is also received from individuals, foundations, and companies.

Dialogue with the Present

Side by side with our temporary exhibitions our goal is to highlight the social relevance of contemporary art by consciously seeking innovative models that re-define the relations between visual arts and viewers. Ongoing commentary on and dialogue with the present, its problems and aspirations, is the result. We keep an eye on contemporary art in order to profile interesting developments in exhibitions and projects. We also nurture valuable contacts to the international art scene so that we can respond promptly to new impulses. Guided tours, lectures, film programmes, symposia, conferences, travel  are some of the means by which Frankfurter Kunstverein helps members and visitors to come to grips with this exciting new terrain and to open up critical dialogue with current exhibitions and contemporary art.

Art as a Cultural Activity

Modern art has always had a home at the Frankfurter Kunstverein. Founded in numerous German cities in the early nineteenth century, the aim of the Municipal Art Associations (Kunstvereine) was to support and disseminate new and modern art. One of the newly-founded Frankfurter Kunstverein’s chief functions in 1829 was to work with the Städelsches Kunstinstitut in Frankfurt am Main in acquiring works for its collection. The emphasis shifted gradually to independent exhibitions and to the presentation of little-known artists and artistic directions that later came to play a seminal role in the development of art. In the early 20th century the Frankfurter Kunstverein exhibited works by Max Beckmann, when he was still unknown. After World War II Frankfurter Kunstverein made its mark with internationally oriented solo exhibitions and theme-oriented group exhibitions aimed at highlighting new and exciting developments. This work has continued right up to the present day. Experimentation is important, as well as keeping an eye open for the new and the seminal.