Jewish Museum at Rothschild Palace, Frankfurt

The Jewish Museum of Frankfurt is the oldest independent Jewish museum in Germany. The Museum offers permanent exhibitions at two locations. The Jewish Lane Museum on Börne Square preserves the history and culture of Jews in Frankfurt during the early modern period, while the Jewish Museum at Rothschild Palace is dedicated to Jewish history and culture since Jewish emancipation.

The museum at Rothschild Palace opened in 1988 on the fiftieth anniversary of the November pogrom of 1938. Its location is closely connected with the history of the Rothschild family, one of the most influential banking dynasties in Europe, whose origins lie in Frankfurt’s Jewish community. The palace stands along the Untermainkai promenade near the River Main and forms part of a larger museum complex that combines historic architecture with a modern extension.

Inside the museum, exhibitions explore the cultural, social, and economic life of Frankfurt’s Jewish community from the period of emancipation in the 19th century through the dramatic changes of the 20th century and into the present day. Displays include historical documents, photographs, artworks, and personal objects that illustrate everyday life as well as major historical events.

Together with its branch at the Jewish Lane Museum, the Jewish Museum provides a broad overview of nearly nine centuries of Jewish history in Frankfurt. Located close to the river and within walking distance of the historic city center, it offers visitors an important place to learn about the traditions, achievements, and experiences of one of the city’s most significant communities.