WIESBADEN, Germany — Frankfurt’s museum row on the Sachsenhausen side of the Main River attracts visitors from far and wide. Whether it’s to explore world cultures at the Museum für Weltkulturen at Schaumainkai 29 or the history of communications at the Museum für Kommunikation at Schaumainkai 53, world-renowned paintings and sculpture at the Städel at Schaumainkai 63 or the movie business at the Deutsches Filmmuseum at Schaumainkai 41 — young and old will find something of interest.
Among the many showcases of art, artifacts, architecture and anthropology is a museum dedicated to 5,000 years of sculpture — from ancient Egyptian to neoclassical times. Not surprisingly, many of the works are concerned with the spiritual life and the ruling class — from rendering of Greek goddesses to Biblical figures, Egyptian pharaohs to medieval church leaders.
The Liebieghaus, located next to the Städel and the Holbeinsteg pedestrian bridge which spans the river (at Schaumainkai 71), invites visitors to examine the many ways individuals have found to depict historical, religious and mythical occurrences through the ages.
While only part of the museum has been open in recent weeks as the museum staff prepared to open a special exhibition of 17th century ivory sculptures, visitors were still able to browse through a collection of work from the Middle Ages and a mixed assortment of pieces from throughout history in its basement Schaudepot exhibition.
Asking for the audio guide is recommended as one is rewarded with a rich smattering of observations about the artists, stories behind the depictions and historical controversies surrounding the artwork. Among many portrayals of Jesus’ mother Mary, is one in which the two are holding hands with another woman who is twice the size of Mary and Jesus. According to the guide, the larger figure is St. Anne — Mary’s mother. At the time when the statue was created, church authorities were undecided about the status of Mary — whether or not she too was conceived immaculately — a state many in the church felt was necessary for her to be free of original sin.
One also learns that the term “Renaissance” was first used in 1550 by Italian author Giorgio Vasari to indicate that art of the Middle Ages was evolving into something new.
While the museum’s collection includes many more pieces than available space in the 19th century villa, curators have dedicated room in the basement Schaudepot exhibition to highlight the full range of sculptural materials. Featuring a hodgepodge of works from throughout recorded history, the exhibit invites viewers to make their own connections. Medieval saints stand next to ancient Egyptian mummy masks, baroque princesses next to cherubic angels.
The Liebieghaus is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (stays open until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday). The museum also features sculpting for children ages 6-12 every third Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reduced price admission is currently available with not all of the museum rooms open to the public — €5 for adults, €3 for students and a family ticket for €10. Children under 12 may enter for free.
For more information about the Liebieghaus visit www.liebieghaus.de and click on the English link. School classes can arrange private tours of the museum by calling civ (069) 6500 49110.