In Frankfurt, Germany, money and art have long been associated, creating a dynamic environment where prestigious exhibitions coexist with independent galleries and vibrant street art. The Rundgaenger gallery, located in the Bahnhofsviertel, opened in 2015 just as Frankfurt was poised to expand due to an influx of bankers relocating from London following Brexit. Co-owner Daniel Schierke sees this influx as an opportunity for the city’s art scene to thrive, particularly with the arrival of financial institutions like Goldman Sachs.
The Bahnhofsviertel, bordering the financial district and neighboring fashionable areas, has a rich history that has seen ups and downs. Once a thriving area post-war, it later succumbed to criminality. However, recent years have seen a resurgence of artistic interest, with young artists attracted to the area’s affordable apartments. As rents rise due to increased interest from bankers, the art scene is expected to further evolve.
Frankfurt has a long tradition of blending finance and art, with art institutions like the Städel Museum having been founded by sponsors from the financial sector. The city’s museums have played a key role in promoting art in Frankfurt, paving the way for the development of galleries and artist collectives throughout the city. Despite tensions between the artistic and financial worlds, many see the influx of bankers as an opportunity for the local art scene to grow.
Some artists have expressed hopes that the presence of bankers will lead to increased investment in art projects. While acknowledging the contradictions between art and money, they see the potential for further collaboration and development. Bankers, on the other hand, are returning to the Bahnhofsviertel due to its central location and vibrant atmosphere, leading to rising property prices in the area. The current fusion of art and finance in Frankfurt has the potential to shape the city’s cultural landscape for years to come.