The European Central Bank (ECB) is opening its doors to you! Once a month you can take a look behind the scenes at this European institution. Some impressive views await you in the historic Grossmarkthalle and the modern high-rise building. Guided tours will be offered by the ECB and are free of charge for participants.
Die Veranstaltung
THE EVENT
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In 2014 the ECB moved into ist current location in Frankfurt’s Ostend. The glass-fronted office tower is connected to the Grossmarkthalle, an historic listed building, by way of an entrance structure. The complex was designed by the Vienna-based architecture office COOP HIMMEL(B)AU, under the direction of Prof. Wolf D. Prix. The ensemble skilfully combines the old with the new and has already become an architectural icon of the 21st century, just like the Grossmarkthalle was in ist own time, the 20th century.
The historic Grossmarkthalle was built between 1926 and 1928, according to the plans of Martin Elsaesser, the then Director of Town Planning for the City of Frankfurt am Main. Up until June 2004 fruit and vegetables were traded in the former market hall, affectionately known as “Gemieskirch” (Gemüsekirche or vegetable church) by the citizens of Frankfurt. The press and conference centre, as well as the library, are housed in the Grossmarkthalle today, after a thorough restoration in keeping with ist protected building status – as so clearly visible from the characteristic brickwork and the arched roofs. And the planned visitor centre will also find ist place here.
The office high-rise is spectacular for many reasons; firstly, because of ist design, the distinctive sloping facade. Then there are the two towers connected by an atrium, which functions as a bracing element at four points along the full height of the 185-metre-long edifice.
The guided tour of the ECB’s new location covers an ascent to the 27th floor of the high-rise – where you have a unique view of Frankfurt and surrounding areas – a visit to the Grossmarkthalle, and explanations of the overall design of the building ensemble.
Contact details are required for each tour participant. All participants over 16 years of age must show a valid photo ID (identity card or passport) upon registration at the visitor entrance. Unfortunately, driving licences and other forms of ID will not be accepted. There will be a security check at the visitor entrance. Please refrain from bringing larger bags or suitcases.
Bildnachweis Foto 2: Nedko Solakov “A Site-Specific Piece on Stand-by”, 2014/15 © ECB and the artist, Photo: Nedko Solakov
Infos
Dauer: / Duration: ca. 1 hour
Treffpunkt: / Meeting point: 20 minutes before the guided tours begins, at the visitor entrance, European Central Bank, Sonnemannstraße 20, 60314 Frankfurt
Rollstuhl- und/oder Kinderwagengerecht: Ja
Mindestalter: keine Altersbegrenzung