Visitors of Frankfurt have a superb range of recreational offers waiting for them in the Main metropolis. Aside from the countless historical sights, the modern high-rise architecture and a first-class cultural programme, Frankfurt am Main also holds in store a colourful variety of exciting events representing the spheres of culture, the arts, sport and entertainment.
Art enthusiasts from both near and far will be quick to agree on the city’s most significant exhibition of 2009: Darwin. Art and the Search for Origins., on display at Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt from 05th February to 03rd May 2009, promises to be the museum highlight of the year. The Schirn will be presenting this interdisciplinary exhibition not only to commemorate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, but also to underline the historical and scientific significance of his ideas and theories and their effects on artists, authors, scientists and the general public. This extensive exhibition will be putting on show some 150 paintings, drawings and lithographs, highlighting Darwin’s ground-breaking theory of evolution by way of various artistic forms of interpretation.
While on the subject of exhibitions, Museum Night, a unique and extremely popular cultural event, returns yet again in 2009, this time on 25th April. Over 40 Frankfurt museums and a similar number of art galleries join together in presenting a comprehensive and fascinating programme of art and culture. Aside from the art shows, this excellent night-time event also features short guided tours, live music, dance and theatre performances, readings, workshops, parties and international cuisine. A free shuttle-bus service is available until 2 a.m., taking some of the over 40,000 visitors from venue to venue.
The last weekend in August is, as always, reserved for the internationally renowned Museum Embankment Festival. This incredible cultural celebration, to be held from 28th to 30th August 2009, ranks amongst Europe’s biggest and best open-air festivals. On this weekend, Frankfurt pulls out all the stops in celebrating its fabulous museums, offering a superb programme of events for visitors of all ages. Cultural and culinary offers from around the world come together on the banks of the River Main, turning this unique riverside festival into a truly memorable experience.
There is plenty of sport on the agenda in 2009 as well. Over 100,000 visitors and participants are expected in the Main metropolis for the International German Gymnastics Festival, the world’s largest leisure-sports competition. Taking place from 30th May to 05th June 2009, this spectacular sporting event will commence with a festive opening ceremony, followed by a week’s worth of competition, all the while accompanied by a colourful variety of spectator events and an excellent stage programme. The going gets a bit tougher a month later, when the European Ironman Championships arrive in Frankfurt Rhine-Main on 05th July 2009.
Concluding on the historical Römerberg, some 3,000 participants will be competing to reach what last year’s winner, Chris McCormack, called “the most beautiful finish line“, pushed on by the cheers of thousands of supporters. Then, at the end of autumn, Frankfurt will play host once again to the 29th Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon, held on 25th October 2009. Thanks to its excellent fringe programme and the many street festivals taking place, the Frankfurt Marathon has become a popular event among participants and spectators alike.
In July, Frankfurt presents itself from its wilder side with the celebration of Christopher Street Day. The party starts on Friday in the city centre. The absolute highlight, however, is the outrageously colourful parade held on Saturday. The weekend’s festivities conclude on Sunday with a street market featuring live music and much, much more.
The year ends, as always, with a traditionally festive celebration of the holiday season.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market, taking place from 25th November until 21st December 2009, is a wonderful experience for both young and old. Scenically set on the Römerberg in the heart of the city, this time-honoured market attracts visitors from near and far for a hot wintertime beverage, sweets, snacks, gifts of every variety and much Christmas merriment. Come see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!
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More travel information to be found in our Frankfurt City Guide …
Tags: Events, Frankfurt, Frankfurt / Main, Hesse, highlights