Guest post by Jo Caird Jo is a freelance journalist, writing predominantly about travel and the arts.
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Follow her on TwitterTop 5 artistic treats in Frankfurt
There's no doubting Frankfurt's importance as a business destination but less well known is the fact that the city on the River Main also boasts an enviable visual arts scene. Whether you're taking time out between meetings, or are going to Frankfurt for a weekend break, here are five artistic treats that you won't want to miss.
1. Stadel Museum
Following a two-year expansion, the largest in its history, the Städel Museum began a three-phase re-opening programme in November 2011, with the inauguration of the Garden Wing, the museum's display of art from 1800 to 1945. This month the Städel's Main Wing, home to the museum's Old Masters collection, opened its doors and in February 2012 a new contemporary gallery space will be launched. The museum holds an extensive collection of German and international art, recently boosted by the arrival of 800 pieces from the corporate collections of Deutsche Bank and DZ Bank. The new hall, which has been ingeniously built beneath the museum's garden, is an awesome addition.
2. Liebieghaus
Just along the Main riverbank from the Städel is the Liebieghaus, a grand 19th-century villa that holds a sculpture collection of around 5000 pieces. The timeline starts in Ancient Egypt and finishes with late Baroque works, with sculptures displayed chronologically. The museum is large enough, and the collection sufficiently varied, to warrant a visit of a couple of hours, but it's also concise enough that you'll leave with an appetite for more. And speaking of appetites, the cosy cafe (which has outdoor tables in a courtyard during warm weather) serves a selection of excellent cakes
3. Carmelite Monastery
For a glimpse of some spectacular 16th century fresco fragments by Jerg Ratgeb, a contemporary of Dürer, check out the cloister and refectory at the Carmelite Monastery, now home to the Frankfurt's Archeology Museum. You can access the cloister for free, but to see the refectory frescoes you'll need to buy a ticket to the museum's temporary exhibition. Fortunately, the current show, an engaging display of Egyptian mummies and artefacts, is well worth the ticket price (running until 26 February 2012).
4. Frankfurter Kunstverein
This gallery just off the Römerberg, at the centre of Frankfurt's old town, presents changing contemporary art exhibitions with a focus on the new. The gallery also has a fantastic, light-filled cafe on the ground floor, a good option for lunch in the historic centre.
5. Independent galleries
Wander through the streets to the east of Frankfurt's cathedral and you'll find a dozen or so dynamic commercial galleries selling everything from contemporary sculpture to African textiles and from high design interior pieces to antiques. Many galleries are only open in the afternoons, so plan to visit between 14.00 and 18.00. And don't forget your cheque book in case something takes your fancy.
Book your train ticket to Frankfurt, from only £141 return.
Many thanks to the Ramada Frankfurt Messe, which looked after Jo's accommodation during her trip to Frankfurt.
