Van Gogh has come to the Städel Museum in Frankfurt, and its big news! The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As the days get shorter, we are continually looking for things to do (besides the Christmas Markets) that are full of light and color.
Truth be told, my family is not a big art family. And I have undeniably dragged them to more art museums around the world than I they would like to admit. Between the Louvre, Prado, National Gallery, Kunsthistorisches, and the Vatican Museum, it was impossible to bring them to this exhibit on the last day of fall break.
I admittedly went alone. However, I took careful notes on what to do and know when taking along your kids and teens. This is one exhibit not to miss and worth dragging your kids along. Here’s why.
Updated: One of my two teens went back to see this after I gushed about how amazing it was. Unfortunately, she passed on the audio guide and later regretted it. (See Reason #3.)
Related: The Louvre and Teens: Tips to Navigate the World’s Biggest Museum
1. Get More Than His Missing Ear
My kids studied Vincent van Gogh in elementary school during a parent-led art program (ahem, I taught that class). When listing all the paintings your kids have likely already seen in prints, they will undoubtedly come back with the response, “You mean the guy who cut off his ear?” Fine, if that’s what lures them to the exhibit, so be it. Successful painter who went mad? It even follows the typical teen book and movie stories they cling to today.
Walking through the three-part exhibit of “Making Van Gogh,” no doubt you’ll notice the works came from around the world. Although the majority of the paintings now live in Germany. It’s not unusual to see a few van Gogh paintings here and there, but its extraordinary to see 150 all in one location.
Tip: Families with up to two adults and their kids, under the age of 18, can purchase a family ticket for €30 Euros. This is a great deal since on the weekend my ticket alone was €18. Family prices mean the kids get in “almost free” so if they end up sitting on a bench, it’s OK.
Related: Family Layover in Frankfurt: How to Spend 24 Hours (or Less) in “Mainhattan”
2. Better Understand Germany’s Fascination with van Gogh
Extremely well organized, “Making van Gogh” explains how he gained fame in Germany. While Germans weren’t initially keen on his artwork, it was a strategic process for dealers to introduce certain works at certain times. They found the colors distorted and the brush strokes too harsh. Eventually, posthumously, with a little help from his brother, collectors, art critics, and dealers, van Gogh became known as the pioneer of modern painting in Germany. And, as they say, a “mega star!”
The exhibit, the biggest in 20 years, breaks it down into three sections: the legend surrounding him (including those who tried to copy him), his influence on the German art world, and the painting style that held strong.
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3. Thoughtful English Translations for Those Not (Yet) Fluent in German
The more I travel the more I struggle to understand why museums don’t include more in English. Even for my almost-fluent-German-speaking husband, things like an art exhibit would be challenging to enjoy. Want to attract an international audience? English is the common language. The Städel did a fantastic job with the signage and descriptions in German and English, and they even offer their audio and guided tours in both languages. The podcasts on the website to prep for the visit are even in English.
Tip: Don’t forget to either download the audio guide or pay the €4.50 for one at the exhibition entrance. Available in English, it was very well done, interesting, and with concise explanations and stories.
Related: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers in Germany (How Not to Look Like a Newbie)
4. Lots of Color and Light for Dark to Brighten German Winter Days
Between French landscapes, corn fields, sunflowers, starry nights, and poppy fields, this exhibit – with the lovely mix of bright white spaces in between – makes for a cheery way to spend a dark afternoon or foggy Sunday morning.
With time to spare, the museum’s permanent collection is worth exploring as well. The large gift shop and cafe rounds out an afternoon of culture for the whole family.
Teen with Starry Night photo by Yamaitrop Vioreenlack on Unsplash
All other photos © Linda Kerr, TravelTeening
