Portikus

During the day, the building glows red, and even in the evening, you can see it from a distance: that’s when a light installation by the Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson glows on its gabled roof, reminiscent of a sunset. The Portikus is not just any exhibition venue. It’s located on Main Island below the Old Bridge; in the middle of the Old Bridge, there’s a short wooden walkway leading to the entrance of the tower building. The Portikus is one of the city’s most important institutions for contemporary art; admission is free. Since its founding, it has been part of the Academy of Fine Arts, the famous Städelschule. The works of young, emerging, and established artists are exhibited and discussed there.