The Schirn Art Gallery in Frankfurt has relocated from the city center to its temporary quarters in an extraordinary fashion - with a dance performance set to techno music. The unique moving celebration featured approximately 100 dancers who paraded through Frankfurt's downtown area to live music performed by a techno marching band.
The colorful procession began at Römerberg, Frankfurt's historic central square, and wound its way through the city center to the former Dondorf printing facility in the Bockenheim district. The choreographed event, titled 'In C Community,' was created by the renowned Compagnie Sasha Waltz & Guests. Both professional dancers and local performers had rehearsed the piece together, creating a collaborative artistic experience.
The participatory dance performance extended beyond the street parade, as museum visitors were invited to join in when the dancers made their final march through the gallery space. This inclusive approach allowed the broader community to become part of the art gallery's historic transition to its new temporary home.
The relocation is necessary due to energy efficiency renovations being conducted on the original Schirn building, which dates back to the 1980s. The gallery will remain in its Bockenheim location until at least 2027 while the modernization work is completed. The former printing facility that now houses the gallery has its own interesting recent history - it was occupied by activists in 2023 who were protesting against vacant buildings and successfully prevented the demolition of the complex.
The Schirn's programming will continue uninterrupted in the new space, with exciting exhibitions already scheduled. Starting September 25, the gallery will showcase works by Philippine-Canadian artist and filmmaker Stephanie Comilang. This will be followed on October 10 by an exhibition dedicated to Suzanne Duchamp, a pioneering figure in the Dada movement. These exhibitions demonstrate the gallery's commitment to presenting both contemporary and historically significant art despite the temporary relocation.
