Baumbachhaus Kranichfeld

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The poet Rudolf Baumbach, son of a physician, was born on September 28, 1840, in the former manor house on today's Baumbachplatz. The family moved to Meiningen as early as 1842. Baumbach studied natural sciences, then worked as a private tutor in Vienna, Graz and Trieste, and with his folk-style songs, verses and fairy tales – many written in connection with the Alpine Club – became one of the most widely read authors of his time. Kranichfeld made him an honorary citizen in 1892; he died in Meiningen in 1905.

On February 21, 1991, a friends' association was founded with the aim of saving the dilapidated manor house and turning it into a community center. After renovation was completed in 1999, the house developed into a cultural venue for Kranichfeld and the surrounding area, with a museum, café, exhibitions, concerts and courses. A new extension with an elevator makes the museum and café accessible.

The permanent exhibition tells of Baumbach's life and literary work, the history of the house and Kranichfeld around 1840. Changing art exhibitions by regional artists complement the program. The museum café is run by volunteers and serves cakes made from traditional recipes; a carriage house in the courtyard is used for events.

Highlights

• Birthplace of the poet Rudolf Baumbach (1840–1905)
• Baumbach Room with a permanent exhibition on his life and work
• Changing exhibitions of regional art
• Volunteer-run museum café with outdoor seating under a linden tree

Permanent exhibitions

• Rudolf Baumbach – Leben und Werk – The permanent exhibition introduces the poet who was born in this house and links his work with the history of the house and of Kranichfeld around 1840.

Operated by

Förderverein Baumbachhaus Kranichfeld e. V.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum and café are wheelchair-accessible via an elevator in the new extension.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Museum café (about 40 seats indoors, outdoor seating in the courtyard) run by volunteers; cakes from Kranichfeld bakers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 80 guests.

Rooms available for rent for celebrations and events; café with about 40 seats, carriage house in the courtyard with about 80 seats.

Plan your visit