Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

Overview

The Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) is a unique concentration of 26 museums lining both banks of the Main River. This cultural corridor includes world-class art, film, architecture, and applied arts museums, all within walking distance along a scenic riverfront promenade.

Highlights

• Density: 26 museums within a 2-kilometer stretch — one of Europe's highest concentrations of museum space.
• Diversity: Art (Städel), film (DFF), applied arts (MAK), architecture (DAM), communication (TELEFONWERK), and more.
• Museumsufer Festival: An annual three-day festival in August with concerts, food, and free museum entry.

History

The museum concept was developed in the 1980s when Frankfurt's city planners deliberately concentrated cultural institutions along the riverbank. The strategy transformed a collection of individual museums into a branded cultural district that is now Frankfurt's primary tourist draw.

Visitor Tips

• MuseumsUferCard: A €21 annual pass gives unlimited entry to all 26 museums — extraordinary value.
• Walk the River: The promenade connecting the museums is lovely for a Main River stroll.
• Duration: Half-day to full-day depending on museum visits.