Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung

Current exhibitions

About the museum

In 1896 the Bohemian textile industrialist Heinrich Baron von Liebieg had the Munich architect Leonhard Romeis build him a historicist villa on the Main riverbank in Sachsenhausen. After his death, the city of Frankfurt acquired the estate and its garden in 1907; once Paul Kanold had added an extension, the municipal sculpture museum opened there in 1909.

Today the collection comprises around 3,000 sculptures spanning some five millennia – from ancient Egypt through Greek and Roman antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to neoclassicism. Among the best-known pieces are Myron's Athena in a Roman copy, a marble copy of the Discobolus, Tilman Riemenschneider's Madonna on the Crescent Moon, Hans Multscher's alabaster Trinity and Johann Heinrich Dannecker's Ariadne on the Panther. In 2009 the exhibition rooms were redesigned by Kuehn Malvezzi; in 2019 more than 200 ivory works from the Reiner Winkler collection were added, the largest expansion in the museum's history.

The museum became known internationally for its research into the polychromy of ancient sculpture, shown worldwide in the exhibition series "Bunte Götter" (Gods in Color). The Liebieghaus is owned by the city of Frankfurt and run by the Städelsches Kunstinstitut; Philipp Demandt has directed both institutions since 2016.

Highlights

• Myron's Athena (Roman copy)
• Madonna on the Crescent Moon by Tilman Riemenschneider
• Ariadne on the Panther by Johann Heinrich Dannecker
• Alabaster Trinity by Hans Multscher
• Research into the polychromy of ancient sculpture ("Bunte Götter")
• Historic villa with sculpture garden and café

Permanent exhibitions

• Antike – Sculptures spanning some three and a half millennia, from ancient Egypt to Greece and Rome.
• Mittelalter – Predominantly Christian sculpture from the 9th to the 16th century.
• Renaissance bis Klassizismus – Sculpture of the modern era, from the early Renaissance to neoclassicism.

Founded

1909

Operated by

Städelsches Kunstinstitut (Eigentümerin: Stadt Frankfurt am Main)

Director

Philipp Demandt

Admission & discounts

Prices apply during the exhibition "Tiere sind auch nur Menschen" (through October 11, 2026) and include the collection and special exhibition; prices for "Bühne frei für Athena" have not yet been published. One-time reduced admission with a zoo day ticket (through October 11, 2026). Free for members of the Städelverein and Städelclub, ICOM, the press, and holders of the MuseumsuferCard/-Ticket. The Liebieghaus does not take part in Satourday. Gift vouchers of €20, €30 and €50 (also redeemable at the Städel).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Because the villa is a listed building, it is not fully accessible, but largely so; elevator and wheelchair-accessible restroom available. Public accessible parking space in front of the building. Assistance dogs allowed throughout the museum and café. Accessible overview tours with detailed descriptions of works or with sign language interpretation, also bookable individually. Inspection reports by "Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Monthly family tour for ages 4 and up, children's tours for ages 6 and up, studio courses, holiday workshops, "Kunstpause" (art break) for parents with babies, and Kids Art Club (ages 6–13); children's birthday parties for up to 12 children aged 6 and up. Strollers allowed (parking areas available; access may be regulated when busy); baby changing facilities in the restrooms in the basement.

Getting there & parking

About 15 minutes on foot from the main station via the Holbeinsteg footbridge.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Café im Liebieghaus with indoor seating, garden and takeout (Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, no reservations). Free coat check; lockers take €1 or €2 coins; jackets, backpacks, bags larger than A4 and umbrellas must be checked, no suitcases. Free Wi-Fi "Liebieghaus_WiFi". Shop accessible without a ticket.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Main foyer, garden, historic fireplace room (50 m²) and café library (30 m²) for receptions, workshops and meetings – only for the museum's sponsors (corporate events).

Plan your visit