Jazz on the Third 

As part of ‘Jazz on the Third’, two thematically significant exhibitions on the Römerberg present central aspects of German history and the present day. The exhibitions shed light on the development of German democracy and the 35-year town twinning between Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main. Both presentations offer an objective examination of the historical development of constitutional issues, democratic achievements and the special partnership that has been forged in the wake of reunification. The construction fences serve as informative platforms that illustrate important historical and cultural contexts.

‘Jazz on the Third’ offers a varied accompanying programme from the adult education centre, which addresses key topics in German history and culture. The events include a participatory reading for children on the fall of the Berlin Wall, a dialogue on identity and memory in Hesse in the context of German division and reunification, and a discussion with author Lukas Rietzschel on the role of literature in times of social change. These programme items complement the construction fence exhibitions and offer a comprehensive examination of historical and current topics.

‘Cosmopolitan, friendly and looking positively to the future.’ This is how artist Ottmar Hörl describes the ‘Einheitsmännchen’ (Unity Figures) on his website, which he created almost exactly ten years ago. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of German reunification, Hörl ended up on the Römerberg during his tour of Germany with his Einheitsmännchen, which he had designed based on the model of the ‘Ampelmännchen’ developed by Karl Peglau in 1961. Ten years later, two of the few large Einheitsmännchen, over 3 metres tall, created by the Städel graduate, who was born in Nauheim in southern Hesse in 1950, are returning to the Römer. This time, they have been kindly provided by the Rewe Group in Rosbach, where the two figures usually greet customers at the entrance.

On German Unity Day, Braubachstraße in Frankfurt will be transformed into a living work of art. Ukrainian street artist Viacheslav ‘Slavik’ Balabaiev will create powerful, democratic messages. His art, accompanied by inspiring quotes from freedom struggles around the world, sends a powerful message of unity and solidarity. Accompanied by the sounds of the annual jazz festival, the street is transformed into a vibrant symbol of the importance of democracy in our time. Be there when art and society come together on Braubachstraße!

The selfie point at the green Trabi Cabrio offers a special opportunity to capture nostalgic moments. This location is ideal for anyone who wants to capture the retro charm of a cult car in their photos. 

On all three days of the event, the historic trams will run every 45 minutes between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. between the ‘Festhalle/Messe’ and ‘Ernst-May-Platz’ stations. All stations in between, which are otherwise part of tram lines 14 and 16, will be served, including: ‘Hauptbahnhof’ and ‘Willy-Brandt-Platz’. Visitors wishing to go to ‘Jazz zum Dritten’ on the Römerberg must alight at the ‘Römer/Paulskirche’ stop.

Tickets from the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) and the Deutschlandticket are valid on the historic trams. Tickets can also be purchased from ticket machines or via the apps of the VGF-Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt am Main and the RMV.

Volunteers from the ‘Historische Straßenbahn der Stadt Frankfurt am Main e.V.’ association make it possible to travel on the historic trams of the VGF-Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt am Main. The initiative is financed by the City of Frankfurt am Main.

‘Gemeinsam. Wir.’ – Media production for the 35th anniversary of German reunification at Frankfurt's Römer

On 3 October 2025, Germany will celebrate 35 years of reunification – a happy moment in history made possible by the courage and peaceful resistance of the citizens of the GDR. To mark the anniversary, the façade of Frankfurt's Römer will be transformed into an impressive projection screen: ‘Together. Us.’ – a ten-minute media production that combines historical images with memories of contemporary witnesses and brings history to life in a powerful way.

‘Gemeinsam. Wir.’ is more than a retrospective – it is an appeal to preserve democracy and freedom as valuable assets. The Römer production brings this to life: as a celebration of success, as hope for the future and as a reminder of our responsibility. Thirty-five years after reunification, it is clear that Germany has grown together, embedded in a free, united Europe. The anniversary invites us to celebrate peace, freedom and democracy – together. Us.

The production was commissioned by Tourismus+Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main, in cooperation with the City Marketing Department, and implemented by ‘Atelier Markgraph’ and ‘bright! Studios’.

Dates of the production

• 3 October, from 8.30 p.m.
• 4 October, from approx. 8 p.m.

Note: The 10-minute production will be repeated several times.