Johann-Heinrich-Voß-Literaturmuseum

About the museum

Johann Heinrich Voß (1751–1826) came to Otterndorf in 1778 as rector of the Latin school and lived here with his family until 1782. During these years he created his famous translation of the Odyssey, which was published in 1781 and had a lasting influence on the German reception of Homer. The former rector's house is the only surviving residence of the poet.

After extensive restoration, the building was opened to the public in 1999. Alongside the museum on the upper floor, it houses the Altstadt-Buchhandlung bookshop and an event room with a gallery. The museum is operated by the town of Otterndorf.

The permanent exhibition presents Voß as a poet, editor and translator, but also as an outspoken publicist, friend and private individual. A listening and media station deepens the understanding of his life and work. The exhibits include a cast of the bust that Johann Gottfried Schadow made in 1799; the original is in the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin. In addition, works from the ten-part Odysseus cycle by the painter Klaus Döring, a tribute to Voß, can be seen. In summer, the Voß garden invites visitors to a tea hour on Sundays.

Highlights

• Only surviving home of Johann Heinrich Voß
• Permanent exhibition on his life and work on the upper floor
• Listening and media station
• Cast of the Schadow bust from 1799
• Odysseus cycle by Klaus Döring
• Tea hour in the Voß garden (summer, Sundays)

Permanent exhibitions

• Johann Heinrich Voß – Dichter, Herausgeber, Übersetzer – The upper-floor exhibition presents Voß as a poet, publicist, friend and private person; a listening and media station complements it.
• Odysseus-Zyklus von Klaus Döring – Pictures from the ten-part Odysseus cycle by the painter Klaus Döring (1936–2016), created as a tribute to Voß.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Stadt Otterndorf

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is on the upper floor; the entrance has steps and the staircase is long, so there is no step-free access. Dogs may be brought along on a short leash.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

School projects and project days for school classes and after-school groups; the museum has many stairs and is aimed more at school-age children and adults.

Getting there & parking

The Voß House is in Otterndorf's old town, near the Voß Monument and the Old Latin School where Voß taught.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Small museum shop; the Altstadt-Buchhandlung bookshop is on the first floor. Tea hour in the Voß garden during the summer months.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit