Theodor-Mommsen-Gedächtnisstätte

About the museum

Theodor Mommsen was born in Garding on the Eiderstedt peninsula on November 30, 1817. The historian became best known for his "Römische Geschichte" (History of Rome) and in 1902 became the first German to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature; Garding and Rome made him an honorary citizen. His birth house, the Alte Diakonat, has carried a memorial plaque since 1903.

In 1987 the town of Garding set up a memorial site with a small exhibition on Mommsen's life and work next to the birth house. It was first housed in a parish hall, which was later closed. Since 2025 the exhibition has been shown in the council chamber of the Kulturhaus in the Altes Rathaus, only a few meters from the birth house. It presents small but carefully chosen moments and objects from the scholar's life.

The same building houses a second permanent exhibition on the life and work of singer-songwriter Knut Kiesewetter. In addition there are changing art exhibitions and events by the Förderverein für Kunst und Kultur Eiderstedt (friends' association for art and culture), which co-supports the Kulturhaus.

Highlights

• Exhibition in the council chamber of the Kulturhaus in the Altes Rathaus
• Life and work of the first German Nobel Prize laureate in literature (1902)
• Birth house with memorial plaque in the immediate vicinity
• Second permanent exhibition in the building on Knut Kiesewetter

Permanent exhibitions

• Theodor Mommsen – Selected objects and moments from the life of the historian and Nobel laureate in the council chamber of the Altes Rathaus.
• Knut Kiesewetter – Letter excerpts, photos and objects, including a guitar, commemorate the singer-songwriter from Garding.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Stadt Garding

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

The Kulturhaus with both permanent exhibitions is accessible without barriers via a lift.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The Kulturhaus is located in the old town on Enge Straße.

Amenities & 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