Karl-May-Haus
Birthplace of the author Karl May in Hohenstein-Ernstthal – a literature museum on the life, work, and influence of the author of Winnetou.
About the museum
The narrow residential house in what was then Ernstthal is already documented in a drawing from 1688 and was raised by a story in the 18th century. In 1838 Christiane Wilhelmine May inherited it; on February 25, 1842, her son Karl May was born here, the first of four children of the weaver's family born in this house. In 1845 the mother sold the building, which then remained in other hands for a long time. Only in 1921 was it identified as the birthplace; in 1929 it received a memorial plaque, and part of Bahnstraße was renamed Karl-May-Straße.
After years in the GDR owned by textile companies, the house was placed under heritage protection in 1980. In 1983 the district council decided to convert it into a museum; on March 12, 1985, it opened with an exhibition on life and work as well as the recreated living and working room of the May family. Since 1987 a special exhibition has been held every year on May's birthday, and a scientific advisory board supports the museum's work, including through the publication series "Karl-May-Haus Information".
In 2001 the Karl-May-Begegnungsstätte (meeting place) was added across the street; in 2015 the permanent exhibition was redesigned after a renovation. In 2022 a new depot building opened directly at the birthplace, which houses the collection properly and offers additional exhibition space, a reception area, and a museum shop. The operator is the city of Hohenstein-Ernstthal.
Highlights
- Karl May's birthplace from 1688 with weaver's room
- Permanent exhibition on the life, work, and influence of Karl May
- Garden in the style of the period around 1842
- Tin figure miniature worlds based on May's stories
- Costumed tours with Old Shatterhand or Mother May
Permanent exhibitions
- Karl May – Leben, Werk und Wirkung – The permanent exhibition in the birthplace, redesigned in 2015, leads from May's origins in a weaver's family through his adventure novels to their worldwide influence; it includes the weaver's room and the reconstructed garden.
- Founded
- 1985
- Operated by
- Stadt Hohenstein-Ernstthal
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Vocational and technical school students, students, military and civilian service personnel, unemployed people, people with severe disabilities, holders of the Saxon family pass (with proof) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Children and young people up to 18 years accompanied by adults free. |
| Seniors | €3No senior discount; retirees pay the adult price. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2 |
| Students & apprentices | €2 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €2 per personFrom 10 people, per person; group members entitled to a reduction €1.50. |
| General guided tour (up to 25 people) | €20Plus admission, with advance registration |
| Costumed tour with Old Shatterhand or Mother May (up to 25 people) | €30Plus admission, with advance registration |
| City walk "Auf den Spuren Karl Mays" (In the Footsteps of Karl May) (up to 25 people) | €20Approx. 1–2 hours |
| Hike to the Karl-May-Höhle (Karl May Cave) (up to 25 people) | €40Approx. 4 hours |
Tickets available at the box office or online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Group tours with numerous tactile offerings for blind and visually impaired people. Since there is no tactile guidance system for the blind, visiting with a companion is recommended. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children's tours on special event days, a quiz for a self-guided tour, as well as craft activities (tipi, oriental lamp, woodworking) and Native American bead weaving for groups. Children and young people up to 18 years accompanied by adults have free admission.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Hohenstein-Ernstthal · 10-min walk
From Hohenstein-Ernstthal station (Chemnitz–Zwickau line) approx. 10 minutes on foot.
By car
Parking available
Small parking lot directly opposite at the corner of Mittelstraße/Karl-May-Straße.
The house is located between Neumarkt and Gensch, within sight of the railway line.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop in the reception area of the depot building.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours for groups of up to 25 people with advance registration (larger groups are split), with thematic focuses on request. Book via the museum box office (+49 3723 769055) or the museum education department. For daycare centers and schools there are curriculum-related tours, a joint program with the Textil- und Rennsportmuseum, the project "Museum in a Clip", and holiday programs. Visitor information is available in several languages. |
