Schillerhaus Leipzig

About the museum

The single-story farmhouse in Gohlis was built of clay in 1717 and is considered the oldest surviving farmhouse within Leipzig's city limits. In the 18th century, Gohlis was a popular village for excursions from Leipzig.

In the summer of 1785, the 25-year-old Friedrich Schiller lived here at the invitation of his friend Christian Gottfried Körner and his circle. After difficult years, he found support and recognition in Gohlis; during those weeks he worked on “Don Carlos” and wrote the first version of the poem “An die Freude” (Ode to Joy).

That the place was not forgotten is thanks to Robert Blum, later a revolutionary: he tracked down the house in 1841, founded the Leipziger Schillerverein in 1842 and opened the Schiller room to visitors in 1848 – one of the earliest literary memorial sites in Germany. The society later bought the house to save it from demolition.

After several renovations and a closure due to structural decay, the house reopened in 1998. Today it belongs to the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Leipzig. Since 2023 the permanent exhibition “Götterfunken” has presented Schiller as a young man with worries and moments of happiness, traces the worldwide journey of his ode and honors Robert Blum. Concerts and theater performances take place in the cottage garden.

Highlights

• Schiller's summer lodging in 1785, where “An die Freude” was written
• Leipzig's oldest surviving farmhouse (1717)
• Permanent exhibition “Götterfunken” – Schiller in happy times
• Tribute to Robert Blum, founder of the memorial site
• Cottage garden with summer events

Permanent exhibitions

• »Götterfunken« – Schiller im Glück – The exhibition shows the young Schiller in the summer of 1785 as a person with troubles and joys, tells the story of the impact of his ode “An die Freude” and introduces Robert Blum as the founder of the memorial site.

Founded

1848

Operated by

Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Leipzig

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the permanent exhibition and garden is free under the fee schedule from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. Events (readings, concerts, theater) cost extra, max. €60 per person. Children's birthday parties €90 (max. 10 people).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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

According to the museum, the listed building cannot be adapted for wheelchair access. Education programs for people with sensory, learning and intellectual disabilities by arrangement (Bildung und Vermittlung, 0341 9651315).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Creative holiday workshops in the Schiller garden (registration required); birthday parties for up to 10 people can be booked.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

Cottage garden with seating for relaxing.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit