The Museum of Modern Art (Museum für Moderne Kunst), Frankfurt

The Museum für Moderne Kunst, often referred to as MMK, is located in Frankfurt and was established in 1981. It officially opened its doors to the public on June 6, 1991. The design of this museum was conceived by the Viennese architect Hans Hollein, and due to its unique triangular shape, it has earned the playful nickname "piece of cake" or "Tortenstück."

The idea to create a museum dedicated to modern art in Frankfurt was initiated by Peter Iden, a prominent theatre and art critic associated with the Frankfurter Rundschau. He also served as the founding director of the museum from 1978 to 1987.

In 1983, Hans Hollein won the architectural competition for the Museum für Moderne Kunst. His design maximized the use of the triangular space, resulting in wedge-shaped, spacious rooms totaling 3,500 square meters (approximately 38,000 square feet) of exhibition space. The building's height harmonizes with its surroundings and is characterized by its distinctive triangular shape and facade design.

Inside the museum, there are three primary levels designated for exhibitions, along with an administrative area situated on the mezzanine floor above the entrance area and cafeteria. Additionally, the MMK houses a library and archive within this space. The museum encompasses a basement, which accommodates workshops, storage facilities, and a lecture hall.

The museum's core collection primarily consists of artworks from German collector Karl Ströher, featuring 87 pieces of Pop art and Minimalism. Initially, Ströher had intended to bequeath these artworks to his hometown of Darmstadt, with the condition that a museum be built to house them. However, when the necessary funds for the project were not approved, Ströher's heirs decided to sell this remarkable collection to Frankfurt. As a gesture of goodwill, they also donated Roy Lichtenstein's painting "Yellow and Green Brushstrokes" to the museum.

Between 1981 and 1987, Peter Iden, one of the museum's co-founders, expanded the collection by acquiring artworks from the 1970s and 1980s. Subsequently, the museum's first director, Jean-Christophe Ammann, played a significant role in augmenting the collection with later additions.