The museum is housed in a large complex known as the Saalhof, originally built in the twelfth century between Römerberg and the Main riverfront as a Romanesque palace. The complex incorporates five historical buildings as well as a modern concrete structure built between 1969 and 1972.The construction of this modern building caused an outcry even before it was completed since its exterior clashed with the surrounding historic architecture. Those opponents will be happy to know that the concrete building was torn down in 2011. The five historic buildings that were hidden behind the 1970s structure - including the Saalhof and Burnitz buildings - have been restored. The museum's displays recount the rich history of the city of Frankfurt, with a particular focus on medieval Frankfurt - when the German emperors were crowned in the Kaiserdom - and on the turbulent era before and during the Second World War.