Major Mary Magdalene exhibition opens in Frankfurt: “Sin. Pray. Love.” at the Städel and Liebieghaus

FRANKFURT AM MAIN — The exhibition “Maria Magdalena. Sin. Pray. Love.” opens today, September 17, 2026, in Frankfurt am Main, a collaboration between the Städel Museum and the Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung, the renowned sculpture collection. It is the first comprehensive exhibition in the German-speaking world devoted to the figure of Mary Magdalene — on view until January 17, 2027.

The exhibition traces the transformation of the Magdalene’s image across the centuries: from apostle and devoted follower of Jesus, to sinner and ascetic penitent, from ecstatic saint to the modern self-determined woman — an identifying figure between companion of Christ, saint and sinner, a symbol of desire and repentance.

More than 100 paintings, sculptures and works on paper, from the Middle Ages to the present day, including significant loans from German and international collections, offer a multidimensional portrait of this enigmatic figure. The exhibition’s reach extends into pop culture — among the references, Lady Gaga is also mentioned.

Special attention is devoted to women artists: Artemisia Gentileschi, Lavinia Fontana, Elisabetta Sirani, Lotte Laserstein, Kiki Smith and Marlene Dumas. The exhibition’s curators are Dr Bastian Eclercy and Dr Stefan Roller. The press preview was held yesterday, September 16.

Tickets cost 19 euros (17 euros reduced price), while on Tuesdays admission costs 10 euros; children under 12 enter free.

Source: Städel Museum