Messeturm (Trade Fair Tower)

The Messeturm (Trade Fair Tower) in Frankfurt is one of the city's most recognizable skyscrapers: a red granite tower topped by a pyramid, standing beside the exhibition grounds on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. At about 257 meters (843 feet) it has defined Frankfurt's skyline since 1990. One thing to know before you go: it is an office building with no public access, so you can admire it and photograph it from outside only.

History and design

Construction ran from July 13, 1988 to October 1990. The architect was Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn in Chicago, and the developer was Tishman Speyer together with Citibank. When it was finished, it was the tallest building in Europe, a title it held until the Commerzbank Tower overtook it in 1997. It is now the second-tallest building in both Frankfurt and Germany.

The facade is polished red granite, and the roof pyramid, about 36.6 meters tall, houses building technology and is lit at night. About 4,000 people work in the tower, which has some 61,700 square meters of usable space. Tenants have included Goldman Sachs and Thomson Reuters, and the Japanese Consulate General is on the 34th floor.

The Hammering Man

In front of the tower stands the "Hammering Man", a black steel sculpture more than 20 meters tall by the American artist Jonathan Borofsky, in place since 1991. Its arm moves up and down, and it is the favorite photo spot at the tower.

Can you go inside?

No. There is no observation deck, public atrium or restaurant. If you want a view from above, the Main Tower has a public viewing platform; check the operator's website for hours and prices. For skyline photos, try spots along the Main river, such as around the Friedensbrücke bridge.

Opening hours and tickets

As of October 2026, there are no visitor hours or tickets because the tower is not open for tours. Viewing it from outside is free at any time.

How to get there

The tower has direct access to the Festhalle/Messe U-Bahn station, and the Frankfurt Messe S-Bahn station is nearby. From Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) it is a short ride or walk. The Deutschlandticket is valid on local public transport. A public underground garage with 900 spaces lies beneath the building. The address is Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 49.

Is it worth a stop?

Yes, as a quick architecture and photo stop, especially if you are already visiting the trade fair grounds or the nearby Festhalle. Do not plan a visit around going inside, because that is not possible.

Nearby

The historic Festhalle and the exhibition grounds are right next door. The Kleinmarkthalle and the Museum für Moderne Kunst are in the city center.