ECB to Open Its Doors for the Night of the Museums on 25 April 2026

The European Central Bank (ECB) is poised to participate in Frankfurt’s Night of the Museums event on Saturday, 25 April 2026, by welcoming the public into its premises located in the Ostend district of the city. This evening promises an engaging blend of contemporary art, insightful architecture, and educational information about the ECB, allowing attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the institution and its significance within Frankfurt’s cultural and urban framework.

The ECB’s architectural centerpiece features the historic Grossmarkthalle, conceived by architect Martin Elsaesser and completed in 1928, alongside a modern high-rise structure designed by the architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au. During the Night of the Museums, guests will have the opportunity to choose between two guided tours, each highlighting distinct aspects of the site:

• Tour 1 – Contemporary Art: This guided journey will spotlight selections from the ECB’s contemporary art collection, located in the conference center, a state-of-the-art “house-in-house” structure that integrates seamlessly with the historic Grossmarkthalle. Notably, this tour will feature Thomas Bayrle’s site-specific installation, “Frankfurters,” dated 1980.
• Tour 2 – Architecture and Site-Specific Works: This exploration will delve into various spaces on the ground floor of the Grossmarkthalle, examining the architectural evolution of the building and its synthesis within the ECB’s main complex. Visitors will encounter site-specific installations by Giuseppe Penone and OKO, although access to the high-rise towers will be restricted during the event. Nonetheless, the architectural narrative and its interplay with the historic hall will be elucidated during the architecture tours.

In addition to the guided tours, participants can freely explore the ground floor of the Grossmarkthalle. This area features the ECB Visitor Centre, where guests can learn about the ECB’s functions and responsibilities. Live entertainment will be provided by the ECB’s staff jazz band, while a public talk featuring Dr. Konrad Elsässer, a descendant of Marton Elsaesser and Chair of the Martin Elsaesser Foundation, will further enrich the evening, complemented by interactive quizzes related to art and the ECB’s work.

It is important to note that public access during this event is confined to the Grossmarkthalle and its publicly designated areas. Advanced registration is mandatory, with the enrolment period running from 7 to 21 April. More details, including registration information, can be accessed on the event’s dedicated website.

Art holds a significant position at the ECB, harmoniously interwoven with the building’s architectural design and institutional context. Permanent art installations by renowned artists such as Giuseppe Penone, Thomas Bayrle, Liam Gillick, and OKO are incorporated throughout the venue, and these site-specific pieces engage themes of time, growth, structure, and the individual’s relationship within larger frameworks.

The architecture of the ECB’s main building is a juxtaposition of historic and contemporary elements; the Grossmarkthalle offers an expansive, column-free interior characteristic of its original design for trade purposes. Presently, it serves as a venue for the ECB’s public activities, accommodating the Visitor Centre, conference areas, and event spaces.

For any media inquiries, please reach out to Silke Köhler via email at silke.kohler@ecb.europa.eu or by telephone at +49 69 1344 8671.