Study Room
of the Department of Prints and Drawings
Unique, distinguished and valuable. The Städel Museum’s Department of Prints and Drawings oversees a collection of some 100,000 drawings and prints dating from the Late Middle Ages to the present. Owing to its high quality, it is one of the most distinguished collections of its kind in Germany.
Wed, Fri
2 pm – 5 pm
Thur
2 pm – 7 pm
We kindly ask you to register in advance. You will find all information about registration further down on this page.
View the sensitive holdings close up
It was the museum’s founder Johann Friedrich Städel (1728–1816) who laid the foundation for these holdings, which were expanded in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by prominent connoisseurs such as Johann David Passavant (1787–1861) and Georg Swarzenski (1876–1957). In addition to outstanding works by the Old Masters (pre-1800), the highlights also include drawings by the Nazarenes, French drawings and prints of the nineteenth century, Expressionist works, and post-1945 American art.
Artworks on paper cannot be placed on permanent display because they would be damaged by prolonged exposure to light. They are accordingly kept in storage “in the dark”, and placed at the visitors’ disposal for viewing purposes in the Study Room of the Department of Prints and Drawings upon request. The department moreover presents regularly changing temporary exhibitions on various themes of relevance to the collection.
Your Visit
We ask for your understanding that, for reasons of conservation, some of the particularly sensitive and precious originals can only be presented in exceptional cases and after prior consultation with the responsible curators and restorers. This also applies to the study of extensive collection complexes and particularly large-format or fragile works.
How to register
- Please send your request by e-mail, indicating a desired date.
- For organizational reasons, your requests must be made at least 10 days before the planned visit.
- If you are a teacher or lecturer and would like to teach in front of the works, please inquire at least four weeks before your desired date. The size of the groups is generally limited to 12 people.
- Please wait for confirmation of your request. In general, the number of works provided is limited to 10 per day.
- To register in the study hall, you need a valid identity card, passport or driver’s license.
