Lessinghaus
Late Baroque residence where Lessing lived as a librarian – now a museum of the Herzog August Bibliothek on the poet's life and work.
About the museum
Duke Charles I had the three-wing house built around 1735 next to the then library building as a residence for court staff; the building follows the model of a small late Baroque pleasure palace in the French style. In 1740 the duke gave it to his chief valet, and later a court clerk lived here until 1777.
After a costly renovation, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, librarian of the ducal library, moved in with his wife Eva König in the winter of 1777. Their son died shortly after birth at Christmas 1777, and Eva König in January 1778. In the following years Lessing wrote "Nathan the Wise" here; he died in February 1781 in Braunschweig.
Until 1884 the house remained the official residence of the librarians, and from 1890 to 1968 various authorities used it. Since 1968 it has belonged to the Herzog August Bibliothek again, which opened a museum here in 1978. The permanent exhibition redesigned in 2004 presents Lessing as a librarian and dramatist and tells of his last years in Wolfenbüttel.
Highlights
- Lessing's residence from 1777 to 1781
- Late Baroque three-wing building from around 1735
- Permanent exhibition on Lessing as librarian and dramatist
- Place where "Nathan the Wise" was written
- Part of the library quarter of the Herzog August Bibliothek
Permanent exhibitions
- Lessing in Wolfenbüttel – The 2004 permanent exhibition shows Lessing as a librarian and dramatist and tells of his last years in Wolfenbüttel.
- Founded
- 1978
- Operated by
- Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Seniors aged 65 and over, trainees, university students, volunteer service participants, people with severe disabilities, unemployed people and recipients of transfer benefits |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 11 · Young people up to 17 years pay €1, children under 12 have free admission. |
| Seniors | €2aged 65 and over |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2 |
| Students & apprentices | €2also trainees |
The admission ticket is valid for all museum rooms and exhibitions of the Herzog August Bibliothek. Members of the Gesellschaft der Freunde der Herzog August Bibliothek (friends' society) have free admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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 museum rooms in the Lessinghaus are accessible. An accessible parking space is located on the north side of the Zeughaus.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kornmarkt · 5-min walk
Regional train from Braunschweig (mostly every half hour, about 10 minutes' travel) to Wolfenbüttel, a good 10 minutes on foot from the station. Alternatively, bus line 420 from Braunschweig Hbf to the Kornmarkt stop, then about 5 minutes through the pedestrian zone.
By car
Parking available
Parkhaus Schulwall within walking distance; bus parking at the Schlossplatz; accessible parking space on the north side of the Zeughaus.
- Accessible parking
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.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | no |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Regular guided tours of the Lessinghaus are currently not offered; a visit without a tour is possible. |
