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New building and extension for the Transport Museum
„We want to preserve the Transport Museum with its unique collection in Germany. To this end, we have created the conditions to build a new building at its traditional location in Schwanheim,“ said Wolfgang Siefert, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Head of the Mobility Department. „Unfortunately, museum operations have been suspended since 2021 due to fire safety issues, which are not uncommon in old buildings, but there is a consensus that we want to preserve the museum and make it accessible to the public again as soon as possible.“
„The VGF can look back on a very long tradition of public transport in Frankfurt, starting in 1872 with the horse-drawn streetcar and continuing with the first ‚electric‘ streetcar in 1884. Original exhibits of both vehicles are on display in the museum. We are delighted to be able to show this history again in the future in an appropriate and visitor-friendly setting. The attractive new building in Schwanheim and the equally attractive extension to the East Hall will make this possible,“ says Steffen Geers, Technical Managing Director of VGF.
In October 2023, the Supervisory Board had already decided on a basis for the further planning and implementation of the „New Transport Museum“ project. VGF has reviewed and updated the cost framework used at that time on the basis of the advanced planning status. Funds of EUR 10.4 million are estimated for the work.
Museum since 1984
The VGF has been operating its transport museum in Frankfurt's Schwanheim district since 1984. The museum's operations, the maintenance and further development of exhibits and exhibitions as well as the transport archive are organized on a voluntary basis by the „Historische Straßenbahn der Stadt Frankfurt am Main e. V.“ (HSF) association. This also applies to the numerous events with historic vehicles that the VGF keeps running: the Santa Claus Express, the Easter Bunny Express or special trips for various anniversaries.
The museum is located in a carriage shed dating from 1900, which was extended in 1983/1984 and 1989 with the addition of two two-storey wings. The east hall on the site was also integrated into the museum and is now part of the ensemble on Rheinlandstraße together with the old station building, which is also to be used for museum purposes.
In the old building, the west hall of the museum, there is a considerable need for renovation with regard to the building structure and fire protection. A continuation of the current use would only be possible with extremely costly and uneconomical fire protection renovations of the building fabric, a renewal of the fire protection and building services systems as well as a reorganization of the area with regard to organizational fire protection. VGF's plans are therefore focused on a new construction of the Westhalle.
Old location, new hall
Like the old hall, this new building will fit into the turning loop of streetcar line 12. It consists of a 12.79 meter high main hall, on the northern and southern flanks of which flatter side aisles complete the ensemble. All five tracks that lead into the museum and on which exhibits will stand in the halls are connected to the line network via a „switch harp“.
On the first floor, in the side aisle adjacent to the station building, there will be an attractive entrance area, with technical rooms in the southern section. All the exhibits previously on display in the west hall - from the old horse-drawn streetcar from 1872 to the no less historic wall anchor, from the children's driving school to conductors' uniforms - will be housed in the new building.
At the rear of the main hall, a multi-purpose area is provided on the upper floor, which can be used for regular museum operations, museum events, special exhibitions or VGF events. It is not only accessible via two staircases, but also with an elevator.
Extension of the east hall
The east hall on the eastern part of the site will be extended by means of glass extensions, which will also contain original steel beams from the west hall, which will then be demolished, so that together with the west hall it will offer sufficient space for historical exhibits.
Schedule
VGF's further plans include demolishing the old west hall in the first quarter of 2027. Construction of the new hall will begin thereafter. VGF plans to complete and open the new hall in the third quarter of 2028.
Remark
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at HSF or VGF at any time. Also, follow our social media and news channels, where we regularly inform you about updates.
Nevertheless, numerous events and special trips will take place again in 2026. Information on this can be found here on our website or from the VGF.
