Museum Sophie La Roche
Small literary museum in the former forest prison of Bönnigheim, on the life and work of the writer Sophie von La Roche.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum commemorates Sophie von La Roche (1730–1807), the first German woman writer of standing. For a time she lived in Bönnigheim Castle, the home of her father-in-law Friedrich von Stadion's family, and wrote essential parts of her first novel there, "Geschichte des Fräuleins von Sternheim", which appeared in 1771 and made her known throughout Europe.
The memorial is housed in the former royal Württemberg forest prison opposite the castle. The building was originally built as a washhouse and later served as a jail for forest offenders and poachers. Since 1999 it has housed the Vinothek (wine shop) and the museum, which the town of Bönnigheim operates.
After about three years of preparation and conversion, the house reopened in 2023. The renovation cost around €80,000, funded by the state, two foundations, and the town. The exhibition is designed as a walk-through book. It focuses on Sophie von La Roche's work as an author, editor of a women's magazine, and cultural mediator, and uses participatory elements such as mirrors with quotations and keyword cards, as well as in-depth content that can be accessed by smartphone.
Highlights
- Life and work of the first German woman writer of standing
- Exhibition as a walk-through book with quotation mirrors and keyword cards
- In-depth content by smartphone, with headphones provided
- Stop on the literary cycling route "Per Pedal zur Poesie"
- Former forest prison next to Bönnigheim Castle
Permanent exhibition
- Sophie von La Roche – Leben und Werk – The exhibition traces the author's life stations and presents her novels, stories, travel accounts, letters, and her women's magazine.
- Founded
- 1999
- Operated by
- Stadt Bönnigheim
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Pupils, students, people with a valid severe disability ID, groups of 10 or more |
| Groups (10+ people) | €2 per personGroups of 10 or more pay the reduced admission. |
| Guided tour (approx. 60 minutes) | €30Flat rate per group; dates on request. |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
Keyword cards and mirrors with quotations invite hands-on participation; no dedicated children's program is described.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bönnigheim is served by bus lines 553/554 (Bietigheim-Bissingen), 574 (Kirchheim am Neckar, Besigheim), and 666 (Brackenheim); the nearest train stations are Kirchheim am Neckar and Bietigheim-Bissingen.
By car via the A 81, exit Mundelsheim, then via Kirchheim am Neckar to Bönnigheim.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | In-depth content can be accessed by smartphone, and headphones are provided. Guided tours for groups on request from the curator (tel. 07143 23505). |
