IG Farben Building, Office building in Westend, Frankfurt, Germany.
Description
This office complex in the Westend district is a steel frame structure clad in light Cannstatt travertine, measuring 250 meters (820 feet) long and 35 meters (115 feet) high. Its six wings form a curved layout that reflects the principles of New Objectivity architecture and stands as one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.
History
The complex was completed in 1931 and remained Europe's largest office building until the 1950s, constructed to accommodate two thousand employees. After World War II, it served as the headquarters for the US Army in Europe before eventually being transferred to Frankfurt University.
Culture
Students now gather in hallways once used by corporate executives, and seminar rooms occupy offices where German industry once made decisions. The curved layout and bright facade have become the visual identity for thousands enrolled in humanities programs at Frankfurt University.
Practical
The campus is open to the public, though some parts of the building remain restricted to university members. The entrance hall with its bronze panels can be visited on weekdays when general operations are underway.
Did you know?
The original paternoster elevators remain operational, moving continuously between floors without doors or buttons. First-time riders need practice timing their entry and exit as the cabins pass each level.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Frankfurt).
Frankfurt places you between centuries of history and one of Europe's tallest skylines. Medieval half-timbered houses at the Römer share the horizon with glass and steel towers that define the financial district. The Main Tower's observation deck shows you this contrast from above, while bridges...
Grüneburgpark
520 m
Westend-Synagoge
542 m
House of Finance
265 m
Adornodenkmal
291 m
Hochhaus am Park
279 m
Eiskeller
381 m
Wollheim Memorial
189 m
Steinhausen-Haus
279 m
Villa Kissel
424 m
Haus Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße 51
512 m
Haus Feldbergstraße 29
528 m
Haus Eschersheimer Landstraße 99
509 m
Haus Friedrichstraße 8, Unterlindau 77
403 m
Haus Grüneburgweg 119
481 m
Haus Grüneburgweg 115
458 m
Haus Myliusstraße 58
565 m
Haus Wiesenau 50
556 m
Haus Wiesenau 52
542 m
Haus Friedrichstraße 9
442 m
Haus Unterlindau 67
511 m
Haus Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße 53
507 m
Haus Unterlindau 64
519 m
Schönhof-Pavillon
325 m
Haus Altkönigstraße 11
535 m
Haus Feldbergstraße 23
494 m
Haus Unterlindau 69
476 m
Haus Unterlindau 71
464 m
Haus Unterlindau 63
535 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes