Frankfurt Attractions

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 1832) is Frankfurt's most famous citizen, Poet, novelist, scientist, dramatist, theater director, ducal courtier he was a man of many parts and talents. Goethe represents the romantic, liberal, and kindly part of the German Weltanschauung (world view), and in his reworking of the medieval legend of Faust foreshadowed with uncanny accuracy the demonic pact that led to the Nazi era and its horrors. in the Goethehaus Goethe Museum, Grosserhirschgraben 23, are the desk at which he worked, many documents, and a rare view of how a,prosperous eighteenth century German family lived.

Schaumainkai is Museum Row. At number 23 is the Staedel An Institute, a repository since 1878 of a superb collection covering six centuries Painters represented include Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Picasso, and mm. bers of the Flemish, French, and German classical schools. At number 11 is the Museum far Kunsthandwerk, the arts and crafts museum; at 29 the Museum fiir Volkerkunde the ethnology museum; at 41 the film museum; at 43 the architecture museum; and at 71 the Liebieghaus, the sculpture museum.

Another source of local pride is the Rathaus, or city hall, on Romerberg. Completely rebuilt after almost total destruction during World War 11, the Rathaus and the square are both physically impressive and a symbolic link between past and present. In the history museum is a model of prewar Frankfurt, and nearby are the restored Dom (cathedral), where the Holy Roman emperors were crowned; and Paulskirche, site of the first German national assembly about 150 years ago.

Henninger Turm Hainer Weg 60 64, is the city's tallest building at 120 meters (390 feet), with a panoramic view from the observation platform, It also houses restaurants and a brewery museum. Palmengarten, Palmengartenstrasse, is more than a memorably admirable botanical gar. den. It's a place where one can relax and recharge batteries run down by Frankfurt's relentless business pressures.

Out of Town

Mountains (or are they hills?, the Rhine River, vineyards, forests. . All these and more are close to the city. Among the many choices: a weekend cruise on the Rhine in great comfort, or a visit by coach to the chic wine. making villages of the Taunus hills or to the Black Forest, with castles along the way. The tour business is admirably well organized and often combines tours by river and road. Your hotel concierge will help. if you prefer to arrange your own tour, the main bureau is located in the Hauptbahnhof.

Some travel agencies specialize in visits to the former East Germany and Eastern Europe. Two offering comprehensive services are DER Deutsches Reisebiiro (Tel.: 156 6289) and Deutsche Touring (Tel.: 790. 3219).

For information on horseracing, riding, swimming, tennis, squash, fitness centers, golf, and other sports, call Sport und Badeamt on 212 35 65.