Experimentation in danger: Where is the new home for Experiminta?

Experimentation in danger: Where is the new home for Experiminta?

The move of the Experiminta Museum in Frankfurt is on the brink, and managing director Andrea Gassmann is looking for new rooms every day. The museum is currently housed in a state-owned building on Hamburger Allee, the lease of which expires at the end of 2026. Gassmann makes it clear that the rent of 220,000 euros for 2,750 square meters is a good deal, especially since this amounts to less than seven euros per square meter. Nevertheless, the search for comparable space in Frankfurt is difficult, as the cheapest offer is already 13.50 euros per square meter, as faz.net reports.

The museum requires between 2,500 and 3,000 square meters of space and calls for an increase in funding from the city and state. The head of the economic department, Stephanie Wüst (FDP), brought the former city library near the court district into play. However, this is privately owned and a rent of around 25 euros per square meter would exceed the museum's financial capabilities. Gassmann has clearly communicated that such a rent would not be affordable for the museum.

Political discussions and proposed solutions

There are efforts in Local Advisory Board 2 to keep the museum in Bockenheim. Some members suggested allowing the museum to return after renovation of the current building. However, the state plans to sell the property after the museum moves out, which doesn't exactly improve the situation. In a letter that was mentioned in the Education Committee, the head of education and construction, Sylvia Weber (SPD), urged the Prime Minister to take back the termination.

A “round table” that will take place on November 7th is intended to clarify important questions about the need for renovation. Daniel Brenner from the Green Party sharply criticized the state for the decision to terminate the contract without future-oriented planning for the museum. Gassmann confirms that renovations are necessary, but points out that there are currently no acute dangers to the building. There is an area of ​​tension between the parties here: While Sara Steinhardt from the CDU defends the state government and assures that there is an interest in continuing the museum, the CDU, including the FDP, is also offering temporary accommodation for the museum on the Bockenheim cultural campus.

Urban development in focus

This situation reflects the challenges of urban development in Frankfurt, which is also important at a national level. A project supported by the Federal Government's Housing and Urban Development Initiative aims to make cities livable and successful. The dialogue between those involved in the field of urban development is promoted and current topics and trends are discussed. Further information about this initiative is available on the national urban development policy website.

The future of the Experiminta Museum therefore remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that there are many opinions that need to be taken into account in the current discussion about local urban development and the planning of future spaces for cultural institutions. It remains to be hoped that some answers to the pressing questions can be found on November 7th.