MKFrankfurt family tour – media history…told through art

If you’re visiting Frankfurt and want an activity that’s both educational and fun, the MKFrankfurt family tour at the Museum für Kommunikation might just be a solid choice. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, from what I’ve gathered, it offers a lively way to explore media history through engaging art and hands-on exhibits. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with kids aged 6 and up—this isn’t just a dry museum visit, but an interactive experience designed to spark curiosity.

What really catches my eye about this tour are two things: first, the chance to see iconic artworks like Salvador Dalí’s lobster phone, and second, the interactive elements that help visitors distinguish between real news and fake. However, one thing worth considering is the tour’s duration—just an hour—so it’s more of a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration. It’s best suited for families or groups looking for a manageable, engaging introduction to media history without a long commitment.

This tour seems perfect for those who want a meaningful, family-friendly experience that combines art, history, and critical thinking—especially if your kids are over 6 and curious about how media shapes our world.

Key Points

• Interactive and engaging: Designed to involve families and children with fun activities.
• Educational focus: Teaches how to tell trustworthy news from fake news.
• Artful exhibits: Features famous pieces like Salvador Dalí’s lobster phone and media-related artworks.
• Accessible and convenient: Wheelchair accessible with a central meeting point.
• Short and sweet: Only about 1 hour, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Good value: Offers a well-rounded introduction to media history at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This one-hour tour at the Museum für Kommunikation is built around the idea of exploring media history through art. It’s not a passive look at exhibits; instead, it actively involves visitors in conversations and interactive activities aimed at understanding news and information.

Starting at the museum reception—located centrally at the coordinates 50.104557037353516, 8.6760892868042—you’ll meet your guide, who will lead you through the displays. The tour is conducted in German, but the content is accessible to all, with some exhibits shown in their original language, adding authenticity to the experience.

The highlights include a look at Joseph Beuys’ canned phone, a sculpture that prompts questions about communication and media. Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing Salvador Dalí’s famous lobster phone, a surreal piece that sparks conversations about art and communication. The tour also covers historical media like the stagecoach by Spitzweg and the Zeppelin flight to America, giving a sense of how media and transportation have evolved.

Throughout the tour, you’ll be prompted to reflect on your own relationship with news—“What kind of news person are you?” The interactive component encourages families to discuss the reliability of different sources, helping children grasp the difference between messages, opinions, and credible news in an approachable way.

The Art and Media Connection

The core strength of this tour lies in how it uses art to tell media history stories. For example, Salvador Dalí’s lobster phone isn’t just a quirky sculpture; it symbolizes the bizarre and sometimes unpredictable world of media and communication. Seeing these works in person adds depth and visual impact that a textbook or online article can’t match.

Plus, the tour covers the arrival of the stagecoach by Spitzweg—a nod to how news traveled before modern media. For younger audiences, visualizing these historical modes of communication makes history tangible. Kids will love the chance to explore exhibits with their caregivers, fostering family conversations about how news and media influence our lives.

The exhibit also challenges visitors to differentiate fake news from trustworthy news—a timely topic. The interactive prompts provide a practical way for families to talk about media literacy, which is increasingly important today.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour lasts approximately one hour, which makes it a great option for fitting into a busy day of sightseeing. It’s conducted every day, with flexible start times depending on availability. You’ll want to check ahead and book in advance, especially since cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.

The meeting point is straightforward—the museum reception—making it easy to find, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, so no one is left out. Keep in mind, backpacks and bags are not allowed, which is standard for many museums, so pack light or plan to leave larger belongings behind.

The activity is suitable for children aged 6 and above, and I’d say that’s about right—young kids might find the exhibits engaging, and older children will appreciate the media literacy aspects. But if you’re traveling with very little ones or infants, this tour might not be the best fit.

Pricing isn’t explicitly mentioned, but given the focus on value, it’s likely a cost-effective way to explore media history without overloading your schedule. Since you can reserve and pay later, it’s flexible if your plans change last minute.

Comparing with Similar Experiences

If you’re curious about other family-friendly activities in Frankfurt, this tour stands out because of its focus on media and communication art, rather than science or general city sightseeing. For example, nearby science centers or virtual reality experiences offer more immersive or high-tech options, but this tour excels in combining art, history, and media literacy.

It’s also notable that the reviews give it a solid 4.6 rating, indicating that most visitors find good value, engaging content, and friendly guides. Many appreciate the interactive elements, which make the experience memorable and educational.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re traveling with kids aged 6 and up, and want to introduce them to the world of media and communication in a setting that melds art and history, this tour hits the mark. It’s best for families who enjoy discussing ideas, looking at creative works, and exploring how media influences our perceptions.

Adults interested in media history, art lovers, or those looking for a short but meaningful activity will also find this tour rewarding. Since it’s mostly in German, some knowledge of the language or a guide might enhance the experience, but visuals and exhibits make it accessible even if German isn’t your first language.

If you’re on a tight schedule but want a snapshot of media history with some fun, this one-hour tour offers a well-rounded peek without feeling rushed or superficial.

The Sum Up

The MKFrankfurt family tour at the Museum für Kommunikation is quite a unique offering: it combines art, media history, and interactive learning in a compact, family-friendly format. You’ll love how the exhibits like Salvador Dalí’s lobster phone and Joseph Beuys’ communication art make historical concepts lively and engaging. The focus on media literacy—helping visitors understand fake news vs. real news—is especially timely and valuable.

This experience is best suited for families with children over 6, or curious travelers wanting a quick, meaningful introduction to communication history. The accessible, well-organized setup and engaging content make it a memorable way to spend an hour in Frankfurt without requiring a big time commitment.

If your family enjoys art, history, and lively discussions, this tour offers excellent value. It’s a practical, educational activity that’s different from the usual museum visits, and it leaves you with insights that linger long after the tour ends.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s designed for children aged 6 and up. Younger kids might find some content less engaging, but kids over 6 should enjoy the interactive and visual elements.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about one hour, making it easy to fit into a busy day.

What language is the tour conducted in?
It’s primarily in German. Some exhibits are shown in their original language, which adds authenticity.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the museum is equipped to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

Are backpacks and large bags allowed?
No, backpacks and bags are not allowed inside, so plan accordingly.

Where exactly do we meet?
At the museum reception, located at 50.104557037353516, 8.6760892868042.

How much does the tour cost?
Price details aren’t specified, but it’s considered a good value for the content provided.

Can I bring my kids on this tour solo?
Yes, caregivers are encouraged to join with children, making it a family activity rather than a solo adult tour.

Is this tour available every day?
Yes, it’s offered daily, but check the availability and reserve in advance.

If you’re looking for a fun, insightful way to explore media history with your family or as a curious traveler, the MKFrankfurt tour at the Museum für Kommunikation might be just what you need. It balances education and entertainment with a focus on art and critical thinking—all in a manageable time frame.

You can check availability for your dates here: