Ehemaliges Polizeipräsidium

Imagine a majestic building where time has stood still behind massive walls. The Former Police Headquarters (Ehemaliges Polizeipräsidium) is a unique historical monument located in the city of Frankfurt am Main. Built between 1911 and 1914, this complex in Germany impresses with its architectural mix: here, Neo-Gothic austerity meets the elegance of Neo-Baroque and elements of Neoclassicism.

Former Police Headquarters. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building occupies a vast territory of 15,000 m² and served as the city's stronghold of law and order for a long time. Today, it has gained status as one of Frankfurt's most famous "Lost Places." Its facade is protected as a cultural heritage site, drawing the eyes of passersby with its mysterious and slightly somber atmosphere of decay.

For tourists, this place is valuable not only for its architecture but for the spirit of history that literally permeates the empty corridors. Although the police left these walls over twenty years ago, the building has retained its monumentality, becoming a popular site for urban exploration and themed photo shoots.

For those who want to see this unusual place with their own eyes, here are the main contact details. Please note that public entry to the building is closed, and visits are only possible as part of organized events.

Immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the past begins with participating in special "Lost Place" excursions. Since the building is closed to the public, organized tours are the only safe way to get inside. You can walk through the old pre-trial detention cells, look into the former police chief's office, and see the legendary grand staircase with the historical 'KPF' (Königliche Polizei Frankfurt) engraving.

Inside the building, a unique aesthetic reigns: peeling paint on the walls, long deserted corridors, and traces of damage remaining from World War II. It is an ideal spot for photographers and urban art enthusiasts seeking unusual angles among the graffiti and dusty halls, which cover a total area of 15,000 m².

A guide will tell you about high-profile cases investigated here and show you hidden corners inaccessible to the average passerby. It is recommended to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, as there is a lot of construction dust and uneven surfaces inside. This adventure will be a real gift for those who want to see the "other side" of Frankfurt and feel like an explorer of forgotten history.

Reaching this monumental structure is easy, as it is located in the heart of the city, between the main railway station and the Messe exhibition complex. The most convenient way is to take a train or commuter rail to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. From the station (exit via Mannheimer Straße or Baseler Straße), the walk takes only 5–10 minutes.

If you prefer public transport, use the trams or U-Bahn (U1–U9) and S-Bahn lines to the Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage or Mainzer Landstraße stops. For those arriving from the airport, it is most convenient to take the S-Bahn train, which will take you to the central station in 20–30 minutes.

For a taxi ride, simply provide the address Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 11. If you are traveling by rental car, you can use the parking lots near the station or the Skyline Plaza shopping mall, though keep in mind that traffic in the city center is quite heavy.

The history of this architectural giant began in 1911. The construction of the Ehemaliges Polizeipräsidium was a necessity: the old headquarters on Zeil Street could no longer accommodate the expanding police force of the rapidly growing industrial center. The building opened in 1914 as the "New Royal Police Headquarters" and became a symbol of order in the city for decades.

During World War II, the building was seriously damaged. In 1944, air raids destroyed almost half of the complex. However, by 1954, it was fully restored, and the police continued to work here until the beginning of the 21st century. It was within these walls that Frankfurt's most high-profile cases were investigated for nearly 90 years.

In 2002, the police headquarters moved to a modern complex on Adickesallee, and the old building on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage was vacated. In 2018, the site was sold for an impressive 212.5 million euros for a large-scale reconstruction, but due to financial difficulties for the investor, the project was temporarily frozen.

Today, the building's facade is recognized as a cultural heritage site and is under strict protection. Despite the desolation of the interior spaces, its external grandeur and historical significance make it one of the most recognizable monuments of late Wilhelminian architecture in Frankfurt.

When planning your visit, consider the format of your acquaintance with the site. For a regular external view of the facade and architectural details from the street, 15–30 minutes will be enough.

If you decide to join an organized "Lost Places" excursion, set aside at least 2 hours for this event. This time will be sufficient to leisurely walk through the long corridors, inspect the cells, and take atmospheric photos of the abandoned interiors.

It is important to remember that the Former Police Headquarters is not a museum with a fixed operating schedule. Free access inside is strictly prohibited for safety reasons and due to the site's status.

You can only visit the building by prior appointment on the days of themed excursions. It is recommended to check the schedule on the Frankfurter Stadtevents website in advance, as tours take place at specific times and groups fill up quickly.

Exploring the surroundings of the old headquarters will help you fully experience the city's contrasts—from quiet historical corners to modern entertainment centers. After visiting the monumental "Lost Place" building, you can head to one of the nearby locations for relaxation or active leisure.