Frankfurt, once known as a financial center, played a significant role in the underground techno scene in the 1980s. Clubs like Dorian Gray were instrumental in bringing electronic music to Europe, attracting a diverse crowd. The new Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM) in Frankfurt aims to educate the mainstream public about the legacy and culture of electronic music. With the support of city officials, MOMEM is a $1.3 million project to create an institutional environment that reflects the experience of clubbing.
German policymakers have increasingly recognized the economic and cultural impact of clubbing, taking measures to protect and promote it. The German parliament reclassified clubs as equal to concert halls to prevent gentrification, and there are efforts to have techno music declared an item of “intangible heritage” by UNESCO. MOMEM is the first museum of its kind in Germany to receive municipal financing, indicating a shift in embracing clubbing as part of the country’s heritage.
MOMEM’s opening exhibition focuses on Sven Väth, a prominent German DJ, curated by award-winning artist Tobias Rehberger. The exhibition showcases records, virtual-reality recordings, and interactive elements that allow visitors to engage with Väth’s music. The museum aims to be a cultural magnet, attracting international visitors to Frankfurt and highlighting the importance of electronic music in Germany.
While Frankfurt has a rich history in the techno scene, Berlin has emerged as a global hub for clubbing culture since the 1990s. The support for clubbing and projects like MOMEM stems from marketing considerations and efforts to enhance Germany’s reputation internationally. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the challenges faced by the nightlife industry, with clubs often being the first to close despite implementing safety measures. Despite these challenges, the goal of MOMEM is to promote open-mindedness, love, and egalitarianism through electronic music and club culture.
