Museum of World Cultures Frankfurt

The Museum of World Cultures in Frankfurt, Germany is a unique and fascinating institution that explores the diverse cultures of the world through a variety of exhibitions, events, and educational programs. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural heritage of different countries and regions. The Museum of World Cultures was founded in the late 1980s as part of the Städel Museum, one of the oldest and most respected art museums in Germany. The museum's collection includes more than 50,000 artifacts and objects from around the world, covering a wide range of cultural and historical periods.

One of the most striking aspects of the Museum of World Cultures is its focus on cultural diversity and inclusivity. The museum's exhibits and educational programs aim to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures, and to encourage visitors to think critically about the ways in which culture shapes our lives and the world around us. One of the main attractions at the museum is the permanent exhibition, "Cultural Encounters." This exhibit features a wide range of artifacts and objects from different parts of the world, including ancient artifacts from Egypt and Greece, traditional clothing and textiles from Africa and Asia, and contemporary art from Latin America and Europe. The exhibit is organized around themes such as "Religion and Belief," "Tradition and Innovation," and "Exchange and Encounter," and visitors can learn about the cultural practices, beliefs, and customs of different societies through interactive displays and multimedia presentations.

It was established in 1904 as a civic institution to house the city of Frankfurt's ethnographic collections. The museum relocated to the Palais Thurn und Taxis in the city centre in 1908. The city purchased the collections of the Institute of Cultural Morphology (now the Frobenius Institute), founded by ethnologist Leo Frobenius, in 1925. He moved to Frankfurt with the institute and was appointed honorary professor at the University of Frankfurt. He was appointed director of the museum in 1934. The roles of museum director and institute director were held by the same person (including Frobenius' successors) until 1966, when the university became state-run, and the museum has been run by the city since then.

Significant portions of the collection were destroyed when the Palais was bombed during World War II. Some items, however, had already been evacuated from the Palais; these survived the war and were put on display in 1973 in an old villa on the banks of the Main, where they have remained ever since. As a result, the Museum of World Cultures is one of the first museums on what is now the Museumsufer. Since 1973, the museum has grown to occupy three adjacent buildings on the Schaumainkai: nos. 29 (the main building), 35 (the original villa), and 37 ("Gallery 37"), all of which were acquired and/or rebuilt in the 1980s. Over 65,000 objects from Oceania, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Africa are included in the collections. Exhibitions of contemporary works by Indian, African, Oceanian, and Indonesian artists are held at Gallery 37. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Museum of World Cultures also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits that focus on specific themes or regions. These exhibits are often accompanied by lectures, workshops, and other educational events, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the cultures and histories represented in the museum's collection. The Museum of World Cultures also has a strong commitment to education and outreach. The museum offers a range of educational programs and resources for students and teachers, including guided tours, lectures, and hands-on workshops. The museum also has a number of resources available online, including a virtual tour of the museum's collection and a variety of educational materials and activities.  

In conclusion, the Museum of World Cultures in Frankfurt is a unique and fascinating institution that celebrates the diversity of cultures from around the world. With its extensive collection of artifacts and objects, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural heritage of different countries and regions.