Ernst May House

Ernst May House Frankfurt: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Ernst May House in Frankfurt am Main stands as a beacon of early 20th-century modernist architecture and social reform. As a preserved show house of the innovative New Frankfurt (Neues Frankfurt) initiative, it offers rare insight into the ideals and realities of progressive urban planning during the Weimar Republic era. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history lover, or a traveler exploring Frankfurt’s rich heritage, this detailed guide provides everything you need to know about the Ernst May House, including its historical context, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and travel tips (Architectuul; Greyscape).

The New Frankfurt Initiative: Origins and Vision
Architectural and Social Innovations
The Role and Restoration of the Ernst May House
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

The New Frankfurt Initiative: Origins and Vision

Launched in 1925 under city planner Ernst May and Mayor Ludwig Landmann, the New Frankfurt Initiative was a pioneering response to the post–World War I housing crisis in Germany. It embodied forward-thinking ideals—standardized design, prefabrication, and integration of green spaces—to provide affordable, healthy living environments for the working class (Architectuul; frankfurt.de).

May’s multidisciplinary team included luminaries such as Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, Martin Elsaesser, and others. Their collaboration resulted in the construction of more than 15,000 housing units across 14 settlements, shaping the modern face of Frankfurt (Building Culture).

Standardization, Efficiency, and Functionalism

The New Frankfurt estates featured rational planning and modular construction, allowing for rapid, cost-effective building while maintaining high living standards. The characteristic aesthetic—flat roofs, clean lines, and unadorned facades—embodied the New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) movement (Architectuul). Interiors prioritized utility and modern living, most famously through the introduction of the Frankfurt Kitchen by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky (Ernst May Gesellschaft).

Integration with Nature

Landscape architect Leberecht Migge designed private and communal gardens, promoting recreation, health, and self-sufficiency—a revolutionary concept for urban environments at that time (smow.com).

The estates included schools, shops, community spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets. This holistic approach sought not just to house people but to foster a sense of community and equality (Greyscape).

The Role and Restoration of the Ernst May House

Situated at Im Burgfeld 136 in the Römerstadt estate, the Ernst May House is a meticulously restored terraced house, presenting authentic 1920s interiors and the original Frankfurt Kitchen (Ernst May Gesellschaft). Its garden reflects Migge’s landscaping ideals, and the house exemplifies the “Licht, Luft und Sonne” (light, air, and sun) ethos.

The Ernst May House is managed by the Ernst May Society, which curates exhibitions, research, and events to keep the legacy of May and the New Frankfurt movement alive (Ernst May Gesellschaft).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location

Im Burgfeld 136, Römerstadt, 60439 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
(Vielfalt der Moderne; Frankfurt.de)

How to Get There

Public Transport: U-Bahn line U1 to “Römerstadt” station; a short walk to the house.
Car: Street parking is available but limited, especially during weekends or events.
Bicycle: The estate is accessible via cycling paths.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays and public holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi)
(WhichMuseum; Kultur Frankfurt)

Tickets and Admission

Adults: €6
Students/Seniors: €4
Children under 12: Free
Guided Tour (optional): Additional charge; advance booking recommended for groups and non-German speakers (Ernst May Gesellschaft)

Accessibility

Due to its historical preservation, the Ernst May House has limited accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments—there are no elevators and original staircases remain. Please contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility needs (Architectuul).

On-Site Amenities

Restrooms available
No café or shop on site, but nearby bakeries and restaurants are within walking distance

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Self-Guided Walks: Explore the Römerstadt estate, a living showcase of New Frankfurt architecture (Vielfalt der Moderne).
Other Museums: Visit the Deutsches Architekturmuseum, Palmengarten, Städel Museum, and Goethe House for a broader cultural itinerary (Nomadic Matt).
Public Transport: Use the MuseumsuferTicket for discounted multi-museum entry (Time Out).

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Guided Tours: Offered by the Ernst May Society, delving into the social and architectural history of the New Frankfurt movement. Mostly in German, with English available upon request—advance booking is advisable (Kultur Frankfurt).
Workshops and Events: Lectures, workshops, and special events on modernist architecture and urban planning are held regularly.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Museum Experience: Authentic period furnishings and the original Frankfurt Kitchen illustrate daily life in the 1920s (Wikipedia; Kultur Frankfurt).
Garden: A reconstructed garden, based on original plans, demonstrates the integration of nature in urban housing (Architectuul).
Interpretive Displays: Panels and multimedia explain the context and innovations of the New Frankfurt project.

Average visit duration is 30–60 minutes, but architecture aficionados may spend more time, especially if joining tours or exploring Römerstadt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Ernst May House visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; closed Mondays and selected holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adults €6, reduced €4, children under 12 free. Guided tours may require an extra fee.

Q: Is the house wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited due to the historic design. Contact ahead for details.

Q: Are tours available in English?
A: Yes, with advance booking.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Non-flash photography is generally allowed; check with staff for confirmation.

Q: How do I book a group tour?
A: Contact the Ernst May Society via their official site.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Ernst May House offers visitors a rare journey into the ideals and everyday realities of 1920s social housing innovation. Its meticulously restored interiors, pioneering Frankfurt Kitchen, and harmonious garden reflect the vision that made the New Frankfurt movement globally influential. Beyond its architectural beauty, the house is a living classroom for discussions on sustainability, community, and affordable urban living.

Plan your visit by consulting current opening hours, booking tickets or tours in advance, and exploring related sites in Frankfurt. For a richer experience, download the Audiala app for guided tours and updates, and stay connected through social media for news on centenary celebrations and cultural events (Visit Frankfurt).