Museum Judengasse & Old Jewish Cemetery Frankfurt
Explore the excavated foundations of Frankfurt's historic Jewish ghetto and a poignant memorial cemetery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Museum Judengasse & Old Jewish Cemetery Frankfurt
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the excavated foundations of Frankfurt's historic Jewish ghetto and a poignant memorial cemetery.
"Walk among the ruins of the Judengasse and connect with centuries of Jewish history in Frankfurt."
🔑 Cemetery Key Access
Ask for the cemetery key at the museum desk; leave an ID as a deposit for a moving visit.
🗣️ English Signage
Most signs are in English, but the intro video may lack translation headphones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Foundations of Judengasse
Museum Judengasse
Walk among the excavated foundations of houses from Frankfurt's former Jewish ghetto, bringing history to life.
Old Jewish Cemetery
Adjacent to Museum Judengasse
A solemn memorial with 11,500 name blocks honoring victims of Nazi persecution.
Interactive Exhibits
Museum Judengasse
Engaging displays and an interactive screen with rabbis offer deep insights into Jewish life and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessing the Cemetery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔑 Cemetery Key Access
Ask for the cemetery key at the museum desk; leave an ID as a deposit for a moving visit.
🗣️ English Signage
Most signs are in English, but the intro video may lack translation headphones.
🏛️ Free Museum Day
Visit on the last Saturday of the month for free admission, but expect more visitors.
🚶♀️ Respectful Atmosphere
The museum can feel intense; many visitors walk in silence, reflecting on the history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔑 Cemetery Key Access
Ask for the cemetery key at the museum desk; leave an ID as a deposit for a moving visit.
🗣️ English Signage
Most signs are in English, but the intro video may lack translation headphones.
🏛️ Free Museum Day
Visit on the last Saturday of the month for free admission, but expect more visitors.
🚶♀️ Respectful Atmosphere
The museum can feel intense; many visitors walk in silence, reflecting on the history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the museum for its excellent presentation of Frankfurt's Jewish history and the tangible experience of walking through the excavated ghetto foundations. The affordable price and the poignant memorial at the adjacent cemetery are frequently highlighted as significant draws. Some visitors noted security presence and the intro video's lack of translation as minor drawbacks.
"Excellent museum, and only €6 to get in, the history is very interesting, both how they found the ruins and how this lived in the Jewish quarter in the past. They do a really good job of bringing the history alive.
all of the signs are in English with the exception of the intro video as they have removed the translation headphones due to Covid.
I’d really recommend asking to visit the Jesus cemetery next door, when your finished at the museum ask for the key, you have to leave a form of ID as a deposit."
Zoe Ryan
"Wow! We came on Museum free day (last Saturday of the month). Actually we didn’t know about the museum. We were at an art museum and a kind stranger told us about this museum. We learned so much about Frankfurt history, Jewish history and we’re able to walk around the foundations of the Jewish Ghetto “Jedengasse”. The museum is great on free day, but honestly we’ll worth the small admission price. We are so glad we went."
Laura
"Security guards trailing me closely around the exhibition made this a disappointing experience. If security is such an issue that two security guards are required per visitor perhaps consider closing for a time. Although I commend the interactive question screen with 5 x different rabbi's as very informative and interesting."
A Christie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at Battonnstrasse 47, 60311 Frankfurt am Main. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. The closest U-Bahn station is Dom/Römer.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach the museum. If driving, look for parking garages in the vicinity.
Yes, the museum is a great starting point. Other recommended sites include the Westend Synagogue and the Jewish Museum Frankfurt for a broader collection.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website before your visit. Generally, it's open Tuesday through Sunday.
Admission is typically very affordable, around €6. They also offer a free museum day on the last Saturday of the month, though it can be crowded.
For regular visits, booking in advance is usually not necessary, but it's always a good idea to check the museum's website, especially if you plan to visit on a special event day.
You can visit the cemetery by asking for the key at the museum desk. You'll need to leave an ID as a deposit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is built around the excavated foundations of houses from Frankfurt's former Jewish ghetto, 'Judengasse,' showcasing daily life and history from 1462 to 1796.
The historical content can be intense. While educational, it's best suited for older children and teenagers who can grasp the historical context.
Information on guided tours can be found on the museum's official website. Some city tours may also include this area.
The 11,500 name blocks on the cemetery's outer wall are a memorial to individuals murdered by the Nazis after 1933, listing their names and fates.
Information regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities should be checked on the museum's official website, as older historical sites can sometimes present challenges.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but it's best to check for specific signs or ask museum staff.
The rows of name blocks on the outer wall offer a powerful and poignant visual. The cemetery itself provides a somber and reflective atmosphere for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a broader Jewish history experience that might be more engaging for younger audiences, the main Jewish Museum Frankfurt might be a better option, as it offers a wider collection. However, the direct archaeological experience at Judengasse provides a unique, tangible connection to the past that older children can appreciate.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with the main Jewish Museum Frankfurt for a comprehensive understanding of the city's Jewish heritage. Exploring the nearby Fahrgasse can also reveal remnants of the medieval city wall, adding another layer to Frankfurt's historical landscape.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Don't hesitate to ask museum staff for the cemetery key; it's a straightforward process and enhances the visit. The museum's English signage makes it easy to navigate and understand the exhibits independently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Judengasse
During the 19th century, the Judengasse was largely demolished and built over. However, in the early 21st century, excavations for new construction revealed the preserved foundations of several houses. Instead of covering them up, the city decided to build a museum around these remnants, creating an immersive experience that allows visitors to walk through the very streets and structures where generations of Jewish families lived, worked, and prayed.
The museum's exhibits delve into the daily lives, economic activities, religious practices, and the social challenges faced by the Jewish community within the ghetto. It highlights the resilience and vibrant culture that flourished despite the restrictive environment. The presentation aims to bring this history to life, offering a tangible connection to Frankfurt's past.
The Old Jewish Cemetery: A Memorial
In a more recent and poignant addition, the outer wall of the cemetery has been transformed into a powerful memorial. It features 11,500 small name blocks, each inscribed with the name, birth date, and place of murder for individuals who were deported and murdered by the National Socialists after 1933. This section serves as a stark reminder of the Holocaust and honors the victims whose lives were tragically cut short.
Visitors can request the key to the cemetery at the museum, leaving an ID as a deposit. Walking through this space offers a quiet and reflective experience, allowing for contemplation on the history of persecution and the enduring spirit of remembrance. The combination of the ancient cemetery and the modern memorial creates a profound historical narrative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit