Sächsisches Psychiatriemuseum
Small Leipzig museum that tells the history of psychiatry in Saxony primarily from the perspective of those affected.
About the museum
The Sächsisches Psychiatriemuseum is a project of Durchblick e. V., a Leipzig initiative of people with lived experience of psychiatry. It opened in 2001 at Mainzer Straße 7 with the permanent exhibition “IRR-SINN. Einblicke in die sächsische Psychiatriegeschichte” (insights into the history of psychiatry in Saxony). Its aim is to present mental illness and the way society deals with it from the viewpoint of those affected, and thus to break down prejudice. As an integration project, the museum also provides opportunities for people with psychiatric experience to earn additional income.
The exhibition is divided into ten chapters. It tells the life stories of Saxon patients – among them Johann Christian Woyzeck, the jurist Daniel Paul Schreber, the inventor Karl Hans Janke, and the poet Lene Voigt – introduces psychiatrists, and traces the development of institutions up to the GDR era. Restraints, furniture, photographs, and documents from the 19th and 20th centuries, including items from the former district psychiatric hospital, bring everyday life in the asylums to life.
The museum looks after the graphic estate of Franz W. v. Bridschin and devotes particular attention to research on Daniel Paul Schreber. The program is rounded out by temporary exhibitions in the foyer, a city walking tour of the downtown area focusing on the history of psychiatry, readings during the Leipzig Book Fair, and participation in the Halle-Leipzig Museum Night. In June 2026 the museum celebrated its 25th anniversary with a festival week.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition “IRR-SINN” in ten chapters
- Life stories of Woyzeck, Daniel Paul Schreber, Karl Hans Janke, and Lene Voigt
- Historic restraints and furnishings from Saxon institutions
- Audio guide, large-print, and Braille materials for blind and visually impaired visitors
- City walking tour of downtown Leipzig on the history of psychiatry
Permanent exhibitions
- IRR-SINN. Einblicke in die sächsische Psychiatriegeschichte – Biographies of patients and psychiatrists and the history of Saxon institutions, illustrated with picture panels and original objects from everyday life in the asylums.
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- Durchblick e. V.
- Director
- Thomas R. Müller
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50 |
| Groups | –Additional flat guided-tour fee of €20 for groups. |
| City walking tour on the history of psychiatry (approx. 2 hours) | €9reduced €6; meeting point Naturkundemuseum (Lortzingstraße 3); groups of 10 or more on request |
The museum does not specify who qualifies for reduced admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
The museum is on the second floor and has no step-free access. For blind and visually impaired visitors: leaflets in large print and Braille, a tactile floor plan of the rooms, and an audio guide with descriptions of rooms and objects; contacting the museum in advance is recommended.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Marschnerstraße
From the main train station, take tram line 1 (toward Lausen) or 14 (toward Plagwitz) to Marschnerstraße.
Amenities & dining
Exhibition catalog (€15) and other publications available on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Group tours for a flat fee. The audio guides (including the one for the city walking tour) can be borrowed during opening hours. |
