August Hermann Francke's Baroque school town in Halle with the Historic Orphanage, a cabinet of curiosities, the "stage-set" library, and changing exhibitions.
September 4, 2026 – April 25, 2027
2026 annual exhibition in the Historic Orphanage: an interactive course invites young people in particular to reflect on decisions and finding direction in life, with contributions from youth groups.
June 9, 2026 – April 4, 2027
Cabinet exhibition in the Historic Library about the boarding school for sons of the nobility and upper classes, with objects from the library and archive and an accompanying audio guide.
The Francke Foundations trace back to the Pietist theologian and educator August Hermann Francke, who, as pastor in Glaucha just outside Halle, founded a school for the poor in 1695. In 1698 his institution received an electoral privilege, and construction of the orphanage began that same year. Within a few decades, a veritable school town had emerged, with schools for all social classes, commercial enterprises, a pharmacy, a bookshop, and a printing press, connected worldwide through missionaries and correspondents.
Collections were established in the orphanage early on. The Cabinet of Artifacts and Natural Curiosities (Kunst- und Naturalienkammer) in the attic was systematically arranged around 1741 and is today one of the few Baroque cabinets of curiosities fully preserved in its original location. In 1728 the library moved into a building of its own, considered the oldest surviving secular purpose-built library in Germany; its shelves stand in the hall like theater wings.
Many buildings fell into disrepair in the 20th century. After German reunification, the foundations were revived in 1992 and the ensemble was extensively restored. Today more than 50 institutions from education, science, and culture operate on the grounds. The Historic Orphanage houses permanent exhibitions on the history of the institution and on Pietism, as well as annual exhibitions that change every year; the complex is on Germany's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5School students over 18, university students, apprentices, volunteer service participants (FSJ/FÖJ), Halle-Pass holders |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Children and young people up to age 18 free. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –No discount listed for people with severe disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups | –Group tour for up to 25 people €40 plus admission per person. |
| Families | –No family ticket; children and young people up to age 18 free. |
| Public guided tour "Der Stifter und sein Werk" (The Founder and His Work, Saturdays at 11:00) | €2plus admission |
One ticket is valid for all exhibitions (Historic Orphanage, Cabinet of Artifacts and Natural Curiosities, Historic Library). Halle Card accepted; participates in the "Schlüsselbund Hallesche Museen" (Halle museums key ring) program.
According to the website, the "Reisen für Alle" certificate (accessible for people with mobility impairments) was valid until March 2026. All exhibition rooms can be reached step-free, via ramp or elevator (orphanage: side entrance on the south side with doorbell); rooftop terrace not accessible. Lindenhof courtyard with gravel and uneven cobblestones. Parking on the grounds permitted with a severe disability ID (Schwerbehindertenausweis). No induction hearing loop, no Braille information; online tours in Easy Read German (no Easy Read on site).
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
There is only a small stroller parking area on the first floor; small children should be carried in the exhibitions. The foundations' Krokoseum invites children ages 6 to 12 to afternoon activities, holiday programs, and children's birthday parties, and on Fridays also to family play time (registration required).
Franckeplatz
Franckeplatz or Steinweg tram stops (HAVAG).
Parking available
No parking on the traffic-calmed grounds (exception: visibly displayed disabled parking permit); the museum refers visitors to public parking in the vicinity.
Museum shop in the Historic Orphanage. Lockers (€1 deposit) for bags larger than A4.
Up to 350 guests.
Conference floor in the Historic Orphanage with the Freylinghausen Hall (up to 312 seats plus gallery, organ, Steinway grand piano) and smaller rooms (America, Russia, and India Rooms), as well as the English Hall (78 seats). Catering can be arranged.
Inquiries & details| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Permitted without flash for private purposes in all exhibitions; commercial photography only with permission. |
| Good to know | Public guided tour "Der Stifter und sein Werk" every Saturday at 11:00; bookable tours (90 or 120 min.) for groups and families. Audio guides and tours on your own smartphone (using your own data). Digital wayfinding system for the extensive grounds. No food or drink in the exhibitions. |
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