Museum der Salzmannschule Schnepfenthal
School museum on the grounds of the Salzmannschule Schnepfenthal on the history of Philanthropinism and progressive education; visits by appointment.
About the museum
The Schnepfenthal educational institution was founded in 1784 by educator Christian Gotthilf Salzmann in the spirit of Philanthropinism, an Enlightenment-era educational reform movement. Among its formative teachers was Johann Christoph Friedrich GutsMuths, who developed gymnastics and physical education classes here; the exercise ground he laid out is considered the first of its kind in Germany and is a listed monument.
The museum was established in 1959 for GutsMuths’ 200th birthday as a memorial to the two founding figures. It is housed in a building on the grounds of what is today a state-run high school (Gymnasium) and traces the development of the school from a private educational institution to the present day.
From 2001, the exhibition was redesigned and expanded with numerous objects, largely on the initiative of former boarding school students; since 2004, the museum has been a member of the Thüringer Museumsverband (Thuringian Museum Association). After a further conversion and restoration phase of just over two years, it reopened in August 2011. Today it is looked after by the school together with its friends’ association.
Five rooms cover Philanthropinism, the founding of the institution, notable educators, everyday school life through the ages, and the cultivation of school traditions; audio and video stations complement the presentation.
Highlights
- Memorial to Christian Gotthilf Salzmann and Johann Christoph Friedrich GutsMuths
- History of Philanthropinism and progressive education
- Everyday school life from 1784 to today
- GutsMuths’ historic exercise ground on the school grounds
- Audio stations and a video station with historic film footage
Permanent exhibitions
- Museum der Salzmannschule – Five rooms on Philanthropinism, the founding and development of the educational institution, its educators, everyday school life to the present, and the cultivation of traditions.
- Founded
- 1959
- Operated by
- Salzmannschule Schnepfenthal mit dem Freundeskreis der Salzmannschule
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission, donations welcome.
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
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
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
| Good to know | The museum is located on the grounds of the Gymnasium Salzmannschule, to the right of the main entrance; advance registration is mandatory. |
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