Darmstadt Attractions

Venue: Historical Museum    When: Daily; not Mon

The Historisches Museum examines the history of Frankfurt from the Roman period up to the present day and also includes a Childrens' Museum with lots of activities specially designed for children's artistic interests.

The experience is divided into chronological sections explaining the Roman, Medieval, Later Medieval and Modern periods through a diversity of paintings, photographs, graphics, toys, playcards, sculptures, furniture, weapons and much more. Highlights include a miniature model of the old city centre in the foyer, which depicts urban Frankfurt before its destruction in World War II.

The medieval section contains the Zalhof Chapel, part of the former palace of medieval Frankfurt, built in 1120. Moving forward into the 16th century, you come to the Heller Altar. Heller was one of the richest merchants in 16th century Frankfurt and donated the altar to the Dominican church after he died childless. The original altarpiece was by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528), who was a visionary of his time. His harsh graphic style grated on his contemporaries but with hindsight he has been recognised as a genius. Sadly, the altarpiece he painted was destroyed in a fire in the 16th century. What you see now is a replica.

The Museum of History, which was founded in 1878, has existed for more than 100 years. Make sure you finish your visit with a glass of apple wine in the museum cafe, which doubles as the apfelwein (apple wine) museum.