Museum für Literatur am Oberrhein

About the museum

The museum opened in 1926 as the Scheffel-Museum in the library building of Karlsruhe Palace, making it one of the first literature museums in Germany. It is run by the Literarische Gesellschaft (Scheffelbund). Soon the rooms were too small: in 1932 it moved to Haus Solms, and in 1936 it was expanded into the Badisches Dichtermuseum (Baden Poets' Museum).

In 1965 it moved into its own building on Röntgenstraße as the Oberrheinisches Dichtermuseum (Upper Rhine Poets' Museum). In 1995 a newly developed permanent exhibition under today's name opened, and in 1998 the museum moved to the PrinzMaxPalais in the center of Karlsruhe.

The permanent exhibition on the third floor traces the cross-border history of literature from monastic culture to the present and covers Baden, the Palatinate, Alsace, Switzerland and Austria. Manuscripts, first editions, photographs and multimedia stations accompany the route; separate alcoves are dedicated to Johann Peter Hebel and Joseph Victor von Scheffel. A sound alcove lets visitors listen to readings from more than 500 events since 1965.

Highlights

• Literary history from the Middle Ages to the present
• Hebel and Scheffel alcoves
• Sound alcove with historical readings
• Audio guide, also in a children's version and in French
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Geschichte der Literatur am Oberrhein – A tour through the literature of the Upper Rhine region from monastic culture to the present, with manuscripts, first editions and multimedia stations.
• Hebel- und Scheffel-Kabinett – Dedicated rooms for the popular enlightenment writer Johann Peter Hebel and the poet Joseph Victor von Scheffel.
• Ton-Kabinett – On tablets, visitors can listen to readings, introductions and discussions from the sound archive of the Literarische Gesellschaft.

Founded

1926

Operated by

Literarische Gesellschaft (Scheffelbund) e. V.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Guided tours cost extra (see Visit).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

Access to the PrinzMaxPalais is step-free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The audio guide has a version for children and young people. The Literarische Gesellschaft also offers writing workshops and projects for young people, as well as school class programs.

Getting there & parking

The PrinzMaxPalais is in the center of Karlsruhe, in the immediate vicinity of Europaplatz.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Library room and large event room on the third floor; terms on request.

Plan your visit