Library of Generations

Since 2004, the Library of Generations has been part of the permanent exhibition at the Frankfurt Historical Museum. It belongs to Sigrid Sigurdsson's series of works called "Open Archives". The Library of Generations was developed for the special exhibition "The Memory of Art. History and Memory in Contemporary Art" (2000/2001). At that time, Sigrid Sigurdsson and the museum curator at the time, Kurt Wettengl, were looking for 100 people who are connected to the history of the city of Frankfurt am Main and who should create a biographical, historical or scientific review of the past century. Two more authors are added each year. In 2105, the Library of Generations will consist of 200 contributions and cover a period of more than 200 years of remembered historyy.

The Library of Generations offers the opportunity to learn about the history of Frankfurt am Main from different perspectives. Future generations can engage with the memories and reports of their elders.

Approximately 130 contributions have now been submitted to the Library of Generations. The shelves contain historical or biographical reflections, diaries and correspondence, memorabilia, drawings, protocols, scientific works or photos, audio tapes, films and increasingly digital objects as well.

Would you like a glimpse?

From June 11th onwards, volunteers will offer insights into the Library of Generations every Thursday between 4 and 6:30 pm and on SaTOURdays. On the first Thursday of each month, a contribution will be presented. Anyone wishing to read the contributions outside these times can make an appointment via the visitor service.

Several times a year, evening events take place where participants present their contributions or experts speak about remembering. The dates are published in the current program.

An offer for groups: For groups, we offer "Conversations in the Exhibition." Share your memories based on a contribution from the Library of Generations. Let the contributions inspire you and inspire your own memories. The conversations will be moderated by project participants or museum staff. If you would like to come with a group, we will be happy to coordinate the topics with you in advance. Please contact us via the visitor service. Duration: approx. 120 minutes.