Ernst-Haeckel-Haus
Museum and archive in Haeckel's Villa Medusa in Jena, with its original working rooms and an exhibition on his life and work.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The zoologist Ernst Haeckel had the Villa Medusa built in Jena in 1882/83 as a residence and workplace, designed in the style of an Italian country house. After his death in 1919, the house opened on October 31, 1920 as the Ernst-Haeckel-Haus, with an archive and an exhibition; its first head was Heinrich Schmidt, a former student of Haeckel's.
After the Second World War, under Georg Uschmann, the focus broadened from biography to the history of science as a whole; in 1965 a professorship was established at the house. Between 2017 and 2021 the villa was extensively renovated.
Today the Ernst-Haeckel-Haus belongs to the Faculty of Biosciences of the University of Jena and houses the professorship for History and Philosophy of the Natural Sciences as well as museum and archive collections. A new permanent exhibition is being prepared for the four exhibition rooms on the ground floor; it will show Haeckel's life and work from several perspectives and also critically assess his role in colonialism and race theory.
Highlights
- Villa Medusa, Haeckel's residence and workplace from 1882/83
- Haeckel's study and balcony room with original furnishings and paintings
- Archive and edition of Haeckel's letters
- Critical engagement with Haeckel's positions
Permanent exhibition
- Haeckels Arbeitszimmer und Balkonzimmer – Two historically preserved rooms on the upper floor with the original furnishings and paintings from Haeckel's time.
- Founded
- 1920
- Operated by
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (Fakultät für Biowissenschaften)
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- 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
According to the university's event information, there is no barrier-reduced access to the Villa Medusa.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours outside opening hours are possible by arrangement (maximum 12 people). When registering by phone or email, name, contact details and the expected number of participants should be provided. |
