The SCHIRN was ceremoniously opened on February 28, 1986. “Culture for all” was the cultural-political motto of the then Cultural Commissioner Hilmar Hoffmann. His enthusiasm and determination led not only to the SCHIRN but also to the founding of the Museum Embankment. The SCHIRN was intended to showcase “major exhibitions” in Frankfurt.
Founding Director Christoph Vitali, who led the SCHIRN from 1986 to 1994, consolidated this broad mandate and from the very beginning gave the SCHIRN a program that radiated far beyond the city. His successor, Hellmut Seemann, demonstrated in the years from 1994 to 2001 how to maintain the independence of the art hall in economically difficult times. From 2001 to 2016, under the direction of Max Hollein, the SCHIRN developed a coherent, internationally visible profile. Art from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as contemporary art, were placed at the center of the program. The nature of the presentations shifted toward a clear distinction from the museum offerings and targeted a large audience. Philipp Demandt, during his tenure from 2016 to 2022, focused on expanding the art historical canon and rediscovering artists, especially women artists. Since 2022, Sebastian Baden has led the SCHIRN with a special emphasis on sustainability, diversity, political art, and art education.
The SCHIRN has established itself as a venue for significant exhibitions, innovative formats, and societal discourse, while also reflecting the change and diversity of the contemporary art world.
Fun Fact: The SCHIRN owes its name to its location. It is located next to the historic coronation route of emperors leading to the cathedral. At that time, Frankfurt was organized by craft guilds, and the butchers’ street was called “Lange Schirn.” Here, meat and sausages were sold at open market stalls, known as “Schirnen” or “Schrannen.”
