Geburtshaus des Nikolaus von Kues

About the museum

In this house on the Moselle riverbank in the district of Kues, Nikolaus Cancer, later known as Nikolaus von Kues or Cusanus, was born in 1401. He became a philosopher, natural scientist, cardinal and bishop of Brixen, and is regarded as one of the defining thinkers of the 15th century. He completed his main work on learned ignorance in Kues in 1440.

The building as it stands today no longer matches its original state: it was completely rebuilt in 1570 and in 1681 returned to private ownership after belonging to the St. Nikolaus Hospital. In the 1970s it was badly dilapidated; the Cusanus-Gesellschaft (Cusanus Society) acquired it and had it comprehensively restored by 1980, using the rebuilding of 1570 as the model. Today the house belongs to the town of Bernkastel-Kues and is used by the Cusanus-Gesellschaft as a museum and event venue; the town provides the staff.

Upstairs, the permanent exhibition "Nikolaus von Kues 1401–1464 – Life and Work in Pictures" traces the stages of his life, from his origins and studies through the Council of Basel to his duties as papal legate, bishop and vicar general in Rome. Facsimiles and documents, including on the founding of the St. Nikolaus Hospital in 1458, complement the panels; a film of about half an hour deepens the subject. In addition there are changing art exhibitions as well as concerts, readings and lectures in the great hall.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition "Life and Work in Pictures"
• Film of about 30 minutes about Nikolaus von Kues
• Facsimiles and documents, including on the St. Nikolaus Hospital
• Great hall with concerts and readings
• Accessible, certified "Reisen für Alle"

Permanent exhibition

• Nikolaus von Kues 1401–1464 – Leben und Werk im Bild – Picture panels on Cusanus's origins, studies, church offices and writings, supplemented by facsimiles and a film.

Operated by

Cusanus-Gesellschaft, Stadt und Verbandsgemeinde Bernkastel-Kues

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 building is accessible and certified under "Reisen für Alle".

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The house is on the Nikolausufer at the edge of the Kues district, toward Lieser.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The hall (with grand piano) can be rented for concerts, readings, lectures and meetings, provided the event suits the house; flat rate of €150 to €250 per event and day.

Plan your visit