Gerhart-Hauptmann-Museum

About the museum

From 1885 to 1889, Gerhart Hauptmann lived with his wife Marie in the Villa Lassen in what was then the industrial village of Erkner. During these years Hauptmann, originally trained as a sculptor, turned to literature for good: it was here that he wrote, among other works, the novellas "Fasching" and "Bahnwärter Thiel" as well as his first drama, "Vor Sonnenaufgang". People and places from Erkner also reappear in later works such as the comedy "Der Biberpelz"; in 1887 Käthe Kollwitz was his guest.

A memorial room was set up in the villa as early as 1957. After renovation, the museum opened on November 14, 1987, one day before Hauptmann's 125th birthday. It combines the memorial site with a biographical and cultural-historical presentation of the Nobel laureate's life, work and influence, including works by Käthe Kollwitz, Heinrich Vogeler and other artists. A research archive with more than 30,000 items, among them the Nobel Prize certificate and parts of estates from Hauptmann's circle, is open to specialists.

The last permanent exhibition was on view until the end of 2022; since then the building has been closed because it is to be converted into a cultural and educational forum. After a pause, Erkner's city council decided in July 2025 to continue the project; the reopening is planned for 2029. Until then, the museum, which is run by the town of Erkner, organizes readings, concerts, film evenings and literary walks at other venues in Erkner.

Highlights

• Villa Lassen, Hauptmann's home from 1885 to 1889
• Research archive with more than 30,000 items (by appointment)
• Gerhart Hauptmann's Nobel Prize certificate in the collection
• Literary walks and bike tours in Hauptmann's footsteps
• Readings, concerts and film evenings even during the closure

Founded

1987

Operated by

Stadt Erkner

Director

Stefan Rohlfs

Admission & discounts

No museum admission during the closure; tickets for events online or at the museum administration (Friedrichstraße 67, Mon–Fri 10:00–15:00).

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

By car via the Berliner Ring (A 10), exit Erkner.

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

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

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