The vertical soul of the Euro—a twin-tower skyscraper that anchors Frankfurt's financial future.
The seat of the European Central Bank is situated in Frankfurt, Germany. Its premises comprise a twin-tower skyscraper and the city's former Wholesale Market Hall (Großmarkthalle), with a low-rise building connecting the two. It was completed in 2014 and was officially opened on 18 March 2015. The European Central Bank (ECB) is required by the Treaties of the European Union to have its seat within the city limits of Frankfurt, the largest financial centre in the eurozone. The ECB previously resided in the Eurotower and, as its duties increased due to countries joining the eurozone, in three further high-rise buildings nearby – the Eurotheum and Japan Center.
Featured in Coop Himmelb(l)au's definitive monograph, Coop Himmelblau: Complete Works.
Visitor Guide
The ECB Visitor Center offers tours that explain both the architecture and the history of the Grossmarkthalle.
The Ignatz-Bubis-Brücke bridge at dusk, looking east to capture the tower and the river reflections.
Security is tight. Access is via pre-booked guided tours only. The exterior is best seen from the riverside path.
The towers are connected by skybridges that are designed to withstand the differential swaying of the two buildings.
2 hours
Design & Structure
Utilized advanced BIM and airflow simulations to optimize the tower's aerodynamic profile and natural ventilation.
Glass curtain wall; steel structural frame; renovated brick and concrete of the Grossmarkthalle.
The tower uses a 'bundled' core strategy, where two separate cores are connected by a central atrium to provide lateral stability.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Seat of the European Central Bank — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Seat of the European Central Bank?+
Seat of the European Central Bank was designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au and completed in 2014. It is located in Frankfurt-Bornheim/Ostend, Germany.
Where is Seat of the European Central Bank located?+
Seat of the European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt-Bornheim/Ostend, Germany. Its coordinates are 50.1094°, 8.7025°.
When was Seat of the European Central Bank built?+
Seat of the European Central Bank was completed in 2014. It was designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au.
Can I visit Seat of the European Central Bank?+
Seat of the European Central Bank is a real building in Frankfurt-Bornheim/Ostend that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.