Sächsisches Psychiatriemuseum

Over het 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.

Hoogtepunten

• 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

Vaste collectie

• 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.

Opgericht

2001

Beheerder

Durchblick e. V.

Directie

Thomas R. Müller

Toegangsprijzen & kortingen

The museum does not specify who qualifies for reduced admission.

Toegankelijkheid

• Rolstoeltoegankelijk: niet aanwezig
• Lift: niet aanwezig
• Aangepast toilet: geen informatie
• Gehandicaptenparkeerplaats: geen informatie
• Hulphonden welkom: geen informatie
• Tastmodellen / voelbare objecten
• Rondleidingen in gebarentaal: geen informatie
• Informatie in eenvoudige taal: geen informatie
• Audiodescriptie

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.

Kinderen & gezin

Het museum heeft hierover geen informatie gepubliceerd – vraag het rechtstreeks na bij het museum.

Bereikbaarheid & parkeren

Service & horeca

Exhibition catalog (€15) and other publications available on site.

Evenementen & zaalverhuur

Het museum heeft hierover geen informatie gepubliceerd – vraag het rechtstreeks na bij het museum.

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