Romantikerhaus
Literature museum on early Romanticism in Jena, housed in the former home of Johann Gottlieb Fichte – closed from October 5, 2026, until probably 2029.
About the museum
The house on the edge of Jena's old town was built around 1670; according to dendrochronological analysis, the timber for the roof beams was felled in the winters of 1667/68 and 1668/69. In 1795 the philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte, a professor in Jena since 1794, bought the building. He lived here and also gave lectures in his rooms.
From the middle of the 19th century, memorial plaques commemorated famous residents and guests. The name “Romantikerhaus” (House of the Romantics) only became established in the 20th century – the actual meeting place of the Romantic circle was in Leutragasse.
In 1981 the house became a museum: until 1998 it displayed an art collection and a memorial to early Romanticism, and in 1999 the Literaturmuseum Romantikerhaus opened. Since 2005 it has been part of the Städtische Museen Jena (municipal museums), run by the municipal enterprise JenaKultur. After damage in February 2021, the house was renovated and reopened in April 2022.
The permanent exhibition on three floors covers Jena's “republic of scholars” around 1800 and Fichte's philosophy; the circle around August Wilhelm, Friedrich and Caroline Schlegel, Novalis and Tieck, with a salon furnished in period style; and Romantic natural science around Johann Wilhelm Ritter, with an experiment cabinet and a replica mine tunnel. The exhibition will be redesigned starting in October 2026.
Highlights
- Home of the philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte (from 1795)
- Period-furnished salon of the early Romantics
- Experiment cabinet on Romantic natural science
- Replica mine tunnel
Permanent exhibitions
- Jenaer Frühromantik – Three floors on Fichte and Jena's republic of scholars, on the circle of the Schlegels and Novalis, and on Romantic natural science; to be redesigned starting in October 2026.
- Founded
- 1981
- Operated by
- JenaKultur (Städtische Museen Jena)
- Director
- Max Pommer
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Trainees/apprentices, university students, federal volunteers (Bundesfreiwillige), unemployed people, Jenabonus holders, people with severe disabilities, groups of 10 or more, holders of the Deutscher Museumsbund museum card or the Thüringer Ehrenamtscard (volunteer card), members of the Deutscher Verband für Kunstgeschichte |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Students at general education schools up to age 20 also free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3 |
| Students & apprentices | €3 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personGroup tours €50 (children/young people €30) per hour or part thereof, plus admission; the tour fee is waived for school groups from Jena. |
| Public guided tour | €7reduced €5, children and young people €1 |
| Annual pass | €60non-transferable, includes exhibition openings |
Free admission: Last Sunday of the month
Holders of the Jena Kulturticket get free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Educational programs for kindergartens, school classes, and children's groups, e.g., story hour (ages 4–7) and shadow theater about Novalis (ages 6–10). During the closure starting October 5, 2026, events will take place at other locations.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Park at Eichplatz or in the Parkhaus Neue Mitte.
The entrance is somewhat hidden in a back courtyard: from the historic town hall at the Markt, follow the street Unterm Markt about 150 m east and turn right through the large passageway. Alternatively, a narrow alley leads from Löbdergraben to the entrance.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|
