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White Cubes: A Study in Minimalist Art

Discover the White Cubes in Frankfurt's Gallusanlage, a minimalist sculpture by Sol LeWitt offering a moment of contemplation amidst the city's bustling financial district, near the English Theatre.

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The White Cubes sculpture in Frankfurt, located in the Gallusanlage, presents a striking example of minimalist art in an urban setting. Created by American artist Sol LeWitt in 1991, the sculpture consists of seven open cubes constructed from white-painted aluminum square pipes. The arrangement, with alternating cubes set back, creates a visually engaging pattern that interacts with the surrounding architecture. As a key example of LeWitt's exploration of structure, pattern, and mathematics, the White Cubes offer a moment of contemplation amidst the city's bustle. Its presence enhances the Gallusanlage, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between art, space, and the urban environment. The sculpture is near the English Theatre and Willy-Brandt-Platz.

A brief summary to White Cubes

  • Gallusanlage, Frankfurt, Innenstadt I, 60547, DE

Local tips

  • Visit during different times of the day to experience how the changing light alters the sculpture's appearance.
  • Combine your visit with a performance at the nearby English Theatre for a complete cultural experience.
  • Take a stroll through the Gallusanlage to enjoy the contrast between the sculpture's geometric forms and the park's natural surroundings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station), exit towards the city center. Walk straight along Kaiserstraße for approximately 500 meters. The Gallusanlage will be on your left, with the White Cubes visible within the park. The walk is about 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Take the U-Bahn (lines U4 or U5) to Willy-Brandt-Platz station. From the station, exit towards the Gallusanlage. The White Cubes are a short walk into the park. A single ride ticket costs approximately €2.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Gallusanlage will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic. The journey takes about 5 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off near Gallusanlage 7.

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Discover more about White Cubes

Nestled within the bustling heart of Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel district, the White Cubes sculpture stands as a testament to the power of minimalist art in public spaces. Created in 1991 by the influential American artist Sol LeWitt, this striking installation offers a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the city's vibrant energy. The sculpture is located in Gallusanlage. Sol LeWitt, a key figure in the development of both conceptual and minimalist art, is renowned for his exploration of simple geometric forms and systematic arrangements. The White Cubes perfectly encapsulate these principles, presenting a series of seven open cubes constructed from white-painted aluminum square pipes. Each cube, identical in its basic structure, is arranged in a linear sequence, with every other cube slightly set back from the row. This subtle variation creates a dynamic visual rhythm, inviting viewers to engage with the work from multiple perspectives. The choice of the cube as the fundamental unit is significant. In its pure, unadorned form, the cube represents a basic building block of geometry, a symbol of order and rationality. By employing this simple shape in a repetitive yet subtly varied pattern, LeWitt encourages viewers to consider the underlying structures that govern our perception of space and form. The use of white paint further emphasizes the sculpture's minimalist aesthetic. The stark white surfaces reflect the surrounding light, creating a sense of lightness and transparency. This allows the cubes to blend seamlessly with their environment, while simultaneously drawing attention to their geometric purity. The location of the White Cubes within the Gallusanlage is also crucial to its impact. The park, a green oasis amidst the towering skyscrapers of Frankfurt's financial district, provides a contrasting backdrop for the sculpture. The natural forms of the trees and plants create a dialogue with the rigid geometry of the cubes, highlighting the interplay between nature and culture. Historically, the Gallusanlage itself has an interesting past. The park's name derives from the Gallustor, a gate that once stood here, marking the entrance to the city. Today, the park is dominated by the high-rise buildings of Frankfurt's banking district. The Eurotower, former seat of the European Central Bank, stands nearby, a symbol of the city's economic power. The White Cubes, therefore, exist within a complex urban landscape, a space where history, finance, and art converge. The sculpture's presence enhances the park, transforming it into a site of cultural significance. It invites passersby to pause, reflect, and consider the relationship between art, space, and the urban environment. Visitors to the White Cubes can appreciate the sculpture from various vantage points. Walking along the paths of the Gallusanlage, one can observe how the cubes interact with the surrounding trees and buildings. The changing light throughout the day casts different shadows on the sculpture, creating a constantly evolving visual experience. The sculpture's proximity to other cultural attractions in Frankfurt also makes it a convenient stop for tourists. The English Theatre, located nearby, offers a diverse program of English-language plays and performances. The Willy-Brandt-Platz, a major transportation hub, provides easy access to other parts of the city. The White Cubes serve as a reminder that art can be found in unexpected places, even in the midst of a bustling metropolis. Its presence enriches the urban landscape, offering a moment of quiet contemplation and inviting viewers to engage with the world around them in new and meaningful ways. The sculpture is a testament to the enduring power of minimalist art to transform public spaces and inspire new perspectives.

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