Erich Kästner Museum

About the museum

The villa on the corner of Antonstraße and Albertplatz was acquired in 1915 by Franz Augustin, an uncle of Erich Kästner who had grown wealthy trading horses. The author, born in 1899 on nearby Königsbrücker Straße, was a frequent visitor here as a teenager; from the garden wall he watched the bustle on Albertplatz, as he later described in "Als ich ein kleiner Junge war" (When I Was a Little Boy). His cousin Dora, known as "Pünktchen", also lived in the house.

The initiative for a museum arose in 1999, Kästner's centenary. Backed by strong civic commitment, the association Das Erich Kästner Haus für Literatur opened the museum on February 23, 2000. The association also runs a literature center in the villa, with readings, writing workshops and the Dresdner Lyrikpreis (Dresden Poetry Prize).

Designed by architect Ruairí O'Brien, the "mobile interactive micromuseum" consists of a multimedia core with original objects and 13 movable columns whose drawers, shelves and display cases visitors open themselves. Thematically, the exhibition covers Kästner's biography and home, the social critic "between the chairs", the theme of childhood and his confident use of the media.

In 2020/21 the museum space was remodeled and made more spacious. In addition, a MuseumsMobil, an audio guide app, a virtual museum and the "Erich Kästner Viertel" (Erich Kästner Quarter) in the Neustadt district carry the museum's educational work beyond the building.

Highlights

• Walk-in micromuseum with a multimedia core and 13 movable columns to explore on your own
• Original objects from Kästner's life in the museum core
• Free audio guide app (German/English) featuring the talking horse Negro Kaballo
• Reading café with reference library in the conservatory
• Villa Augustin, the house of Kästner's uncle on Albertplatz

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung: Das mobile interaktive micromuseum für Erich Kästner – Visitors open columns, drawers and display cases themselves, discovering Kästner's biography, his role as a moralist and children's author, and his work in the press, radio, film and cabaret.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Das Erich Kästner Haus für Literatur e. V.

Admission & discounts

Cash only. Events have their own admission prices; reservations at +49 351 804 5087, pick up tickets no later than 15 minutes before the start.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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

Entrance with wheelchair ramp, upper floors reachable by elevator; no accessible restroom in the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The interactive "micromuseum" is designed for playful, self-directed discovery by all generations. Free audio guide app in which the talking horse Negro Kaballo also guides children through the museum and the Kästner quarter. Themed tours for grades 3–6; annual Erich Kästner rally for Dresden third-graders before the summer holidays.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Reading café with reference library in the conservatory (second floor), also open without a museum visit. Museum shop with works by and about Kästner, audiobooks and contemporary literature; shipping for orders of €50 or more.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit