Metzler supports extension of Städel Museum
The Frankfurt based Metzler Bank and the Metzler Family will support the Städel Museum in the realisation of the planned extension building with a donation of 3 million euros. This represents another key milestone in the financing of the new Städel Museum.The extension of the gallery space of the Städel Museum arises from the need to meet the challenge of an adequate presentation of the existing collection and new acquisitions, increased visitor numbers and the additional tasks of a modern museum operation in terms of both space and functionality. The new museum extension by the Frankfurt architectural office schneider+schumacher, at an estimated cost of 30 million euros and with a total 3,000 square metres, will provide additional collection and exhibition space and be able to house larger mixed collections of post-1945 art as well as create new exhibition openings.
The Städel and the Metzler Family have had close connections since the founding of the museum in the early 19th century. “Many members of our family”, says Sylvia von Metzler, “have been involved with this institution, either in office or as benefactor. And we cannot desert Max Hollein and the Städel now. On the contrary, we look forward to the renewed metamorphosis of the Städel into one of the leading museums with international standing and in the future we shall also follow the museum’s progress with great interest and much affinity.”
With its support for the Städel Museum, Metzler Bank once again demonstrates its solidarity with cultural institutions in Frankfurt. “With our donation we wish to not only set a good example and inspire others to donate, but also underscore the attachment of our bank and the Metzler Family to the museum” says Norbert Enste, partner at Metzler Bank.
Sylvia von Metzler has particularly close ties with the Städel, not least through her role as chair of the Städelscher Museumsverein. “For this unique building project”, says Sylvia von Metzler, “the Städel absolutely deserves every support. We think it’s wonderful when our museums continuously evolve further, enhance and expand their collection. Contrary to many a preconception, museums are indeed very dynamic and modern institutions.”
For the Städel the donation from the Metzler Family and Metzler Bank signifies an important step on the way to realisation of the extension. “The generous support”, says Max Hollein, director of the Städel Museum, “highlights the high social commitment of Bankhaus Metzler and its partners as well as the Metzler Family. I know few people who live and breathe patronage with such dedication and conviction as Sylvia and Friedrich von Metzler. And few who promote new initiatives with so much openness and trust. That is why I am particularly pleased that, with the support for the extension of the Städel, our long-standing and fruitful cooperation has reached a new pinnacle.”
“In view of its history and its status as a community foundation the Städel has a long tradition of co-operation with society and the business community”, says Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Schweickart, chairman of the Administration of Städel Museum. “We are proud that in Frankfurt we have citizens such as the Metzler Family who for generations have felt committed to the city and its social and cultural institutions and have supported them so actively. Together we shall now send a far-reaching signal for the dynamic development of the museum.”
Press Städel Museum:
Dorothea Apovnik (Head), Kathrin Wiener, Marijke Gassen (Assistance)
Phone (+4969) 60 50 98 - 2 34
E-mail presse@staedelmuseum.de
Press downloads www.staedelmuseum.de
Press Metzler:
Jörg-Matthias Butzlaff
Phone (+49 69) 21 04 - 49 75
E-mail MButzlaff@metzler.com
