Tourism but different
02/2022 - Andrea Acevedo
How many times have you travelled to a new place and Googled: What to see in…? Where to go when in…? Top attractions in… And down we scroll list after list of must-visit, must-see top touristic locations. All these include historical landmarks, monuments, buildings and museums. And although you'll probably find me right there, dive headfirst into the Google rabbit hole of things to do, why not go somewhere genuinely new. These historical landmarks and museums are filled with characters who were once probably unrecognized and underappreciated geniuses ahead of their times. So why not discover that genius ahead of our time today? Take a stroll through these independent art galleries, the stage of emerging, international artists. Maybe buy a piece of art, an art book or even just a postcard. Who knows, maybe in 30 years or more, you'll be holding a gold mine in your hands.
Located on a small island in the city's centre that can only be accessed through the Alte Brücke, one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the river of Main, you can find this unique exhibition hall for contemporary art. Walk through history and reach the new. Founded in 1987 by Kasper König, Portikus received its name inspired by the surviving portico of the 1825 Stadtbibliothek destroyed during World War II. On the outside, this curious-looking bright red-brick house gives no clues for what awaits in its interior. Once inside, the open white space is the perfect blank canvas for the up-and-coming young emerging artists as well as some established artists and their work.
Maininsel,
Alte Brücke 2,
60594 Frankfurt am Main,
Germany
Tuesday–Sunday 11–18h
Wednesday 11–20h
Monday closed
Admission free
Founded by Sakhile Matlhare and Daniel Hagemeier, this gallery offers a space for young emerging artists, curators, critics, and researchers to exhibit, develop, experiment, and discuss their work. Focusing on supporting artists from Africa and its diaspora and giving space for artists of all different backgrounds, Sakhile&Me envisions an art gallery space that focuses on collaboration rather than just representation. They offer a space for artists to sell their work but are also committed to investing in their development by providing artists talks, educational workshops, art fairs, and more. Based in a cultural heritage building and only a few blocks away from some of those main tourist attractions, this gallery will show you art history being made that you can’t miss.
Oberlindau 7,
60323 Frankfurt am Main,
Germany
Monday/Sunday: closed
Tuesday-Friday: 12pm - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Back in 1996, Bernard Knaus decided to found a small gallery focusing on photo, video and graphic works by emerging international artists and named it, well, after himself. This way, he gave life to Bernhard Knaus's Fine Art. Wanting to provide the artists they represented with long-term support and promotion to advance their careers into today; the gallery also has a self-publishing house. On some occasions, they work with external ones. They offer a wide selection of wonderful photo books. Being aware of the effect and power of art, they aim to represent artists asking important questions through their art by reflecting their own experiences and perceptions of our current times.
Niddastraße 84,
60329 Frankfurt am Main,
Germany
Tuesday till Friday 1 pm – 6 pm
Saturday 11 am – 3 pm
and after announcement
Go ahead and check these places out!