Johannes a Lasco Bibliothek

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The library goes back to an endowment of 1559 and from 1570 was housed in the Große Kirche, Emden's main church, close to the seat of the counts. It is named after the reformer Johannes a Lasco, who shaped the Emden congregation in the 16th century; at the time the city was regarded as the “mother church” of Reformed Protestantism in northwestern Europe.

The Große Kirche was badly destroyed in a bombing raid in 1943. The choir with its side aisles, added in the 15th century, stood for decades as a ruin and memorial. In 1993 the Evangelical Reformed Church and the Emden congregation re-established the foundation; between 1992 and 1995 the remaining walls were incorporated into a modern library building that visibly combines old fabric and new architecture.

Today the institution is an internationally recognized research center for the history of Reformed Protestantism and the confessions of the early modern period. Besides the reading room, historic holdings and archive, there is a museum area in the former church interior. Exhibits include the 16th-century tomb of the counts of East Frisia, communion vessels from East Frisian congregations in a walk-in vault, and the bibliophile collection of Johann Philipp Janssen. The rebuilt nave is also used for concerts, lectures and weddings. In 2023/24 the building's technical systems and energy efficiency were upgraded and the entrance area was made accessible.

Highlights

• Church ruin with a modern library building (1992–1995)
• Tomb of the counts of East Frisia in the south aisle
• Vasa Sacra: communion vessels in the walk-in vault
• Bibliophile collection of Johann Philipp Janssen (15th–19th centuries)
• Public guided tour on Sundays at 14:30

Permanent exhibitions

• Vasa Sacra – Communion vessels from congregations across East Frisia are displayed in the walk-in vault.
• Sammlung Johann Philipp Janssen – Around 2,000 bibliophile volumes from the 15th to the 19th centuries, gathered out of a love of beautiful books.
• Frauenorte: Antje Brons – Portrait of the Emden church historian and education pioneer Antje Brons (1810–1902).

Founded

1995

Operated by

Stiftung Johannes a Lasco Bibliothek Große Kirche Emden

Admission & discounts

A day pass for the library costs €6 (reduced €3), the same as museum admission.

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

Rooms in the nave are largely step-free; elevator to all floors; accessible restroom in the basement; three accessible parking spaces; reading magnifiers at the information desk. The entrance and outdoor area were made accessible in 2023/24.

Kids & families

Children and teenagers up to age 18 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Nave, the Johann Philipp Janssen library room, and seminar and meeting rooms; civil, church and non-religious weddings possible.

Plan your visit