Birthplace of the composer Heinrich Schütz in Bad Köstritz, with a permanent exhibition on the life, work and times of the musician.
From November 28, 2026
On show are paper cut-outs, Advent calendars, picture books and postcards by the artist Ruthild Busch-Schumann (1900–1989) with Christmas motifs. On view until the end of January 2027.
September 12, 2026 – November 22, 2026
The exhibition sheds light on aspects of Schütz's reception.
The house in Bad Köstritz, later known as the inn "Zum goldenen Kranich" (At the Golden Crane), is the birthplace of the composer Heinrich Schütz, who was born here on October 8, 1585. His grandfather and father ran the inn; in 1591 the family moved to Weißenfels. The building subsequently changed owners several times and, after a fire, was rebuilt in a representative form between 1779 and 1782.
Restaurant operations ended in 1942, and at times the house served as a military hospital. During the construction of today's B 7 federal highway in 1952, all outbuildings and parts of the main building were demolished. In 1954, a small memorial was set up in the remaining section.
For the composer's 400th birthday, the house was thoroughly redesigned in 1985 and opened as the first house dedicated to Heinrich Schütz at all. After renovation, a new permanent exhibition has been on view since October 2000, covering about 180 square meters in six rooms and presenting the composer's life, work and surroundings. The house is run by the Greiz district; the Schütz-Akademie support association has supported it since 1991. The house is listed among the "Cultural Places of Memory" in the federal government's Blue Book.
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Pupils, students, trainees, pensioners, federal volunteer service participants, holders of a social pass, severely disabled persons, groups of 10 or more |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Pupils pay the reduced rate; children up to age 6 are free. |
| Seniors | €4Pensioners |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4Severely disabled persons |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personGroups of 10 or more receive a reduced rate |
| Families | €102 adults and children |
| Annual pass "Museum" | €20Admission and all public tours in the calendar year; valid for the holder only. |
| Annual pass "Museumsfamilie" (Museum Family) | €3512 lectures of the Musical Museum Round without refreshments, and all public tours in the calendar year; valid for the holder only. |
| Public tour (surcharge) | €2plus admission |
| Musical Museum Round (lecture) | €4.50Coffee and cake €3.50 extra |
Primary school classes and kindergartens enter free; school classes from grade 5 pay €1 per person, including a guided tour (teachers and accompanying adults free). Free admission also applies to holders of the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card) and to active members of the volunteer fire brigade and civil protection service of the Greiz district. A reduced admission applies to the house's own special events.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €10 · 2 adults and children |
Museum education program for kindergartens, primary schools and all school types, including discovery tours "Wir entdecken ein Museum" (We Discover a Museum), trying out instruments from Schütz's time, and seasonal craft activities (e.g., lanterns for the walking concert on Schütz's birthday, October 8). Craft templates are available for download on the website.
Bad Köstritz: Heinrich-Schütz-Haus (Linie 203)
Bad Köstritz train station (Gera–Leipzig line), about a 15-minute walk; bus line 203 (Gera–Caaschwitz–Crossen–Eisenberg) with the stop "Bad Köstritz: Heinrich-Schütz-Haus"; line 204 with the stop "Julius-Sturm-Platz".
By car, take the A9 to the Eisenberg exit and continue on the B 7 toward Gera, or take the A4 to Gera and then the B 7 toward Jena to Bad Köstritz.
Get directionsThe museum hasn’t published any information on this.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours by prior registration: 45–60 minutes for €25, or the "large" tour with sound examples and an introduction to the works (90 minutes) for €35, in each case plus admission; also available in English and French. Public tours cost €2 plus admission. |
