Thomas-Mann-Archiv

About the museum

The Thomas Mann Archive was founded in 1956 to preserve the literary estate of the writer and Nobel Prize laureate Thomas Mann and to make it accessible to researchers and the interested public. The core holdings included the writings and documents passed down by Mann himself, as well as his last study with his private library and personal belongings. The estate continues to be expanded.

The archive is part of the ETH Library and was housed for a long time on Schönberggasse. In 2023 it moved to the main building of ETH Zurich, where a newly designed permanent exhibition opened on 1 March 2023. Titled “Im Schreiben eingerichtet” (“Settled into Writing”), it centres on Mann’s famous desk, which accompanied him even in exile.

Together with the library and numerous objects from different cultures, it formed the creative environment for Mann’s work. The exhibition asks how the author, who found his last home in Switzerland, worked, which tools and habits shaped his writing process, and how working day and family life were combined. As a research centre, the archive also has a library on his life and work; manuscripts, letters and images are partly accessible online.

Highlights

• Thomas Mann’s desk, which accompanied him even in exile
• Furnishings of his last study with private library
• Objects from different cultures as part of his writing environment
• Permanent exhibition “Im Schreiben eingerichtet” in the ETH main building
• Free admission, open daily

Permanent exhibition

• Im Schreiben eingerichtet. Thomas Mann und sein Arbeitszimmer – At the centre is Thomas Mann’s desk, which accompanied him even in exile; with a library and objects from different cultures, the exhibition shows the writer’s working methods and daily life.

Founded

1956

Operated by

ETH-Bibliothek (ETH Zürich)

Director

Dr. Tobias Amslinger (Leitung Literaturarchive der ETH-Bibliothek)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

ETH Zurich provides a dedicated page on access for people with reduced mobility to the exhibitions in the main building; at times accessibility is limited due to maintenance work on the south lift. Marked parking spaces for wheelchair users are available in the Leonhardstrasse underpass and in the HG car park. For visually impaired and blind people, ETH offers directions to the main building.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

A ZVV ticket for zone 110 is required for travel within the city.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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