Goethe House | Frankfurt

Goethe House – In Detail

The Goethe House (Goethehaus) in Frankfurt is the birthplace and former home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the most celebrated figures in German literature and one of the most influential writers in world history. This historical site offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the early life of the Goethe family, as well as insights into the formative years of the writer who would go on to produce masterpieces such as Faust, The Sorrows of Young Werther, and Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship.

Overview

• Location: The Goethe House is located in the Altstadt (Old Town) of Frankfurt, at Großer Hirschgraben 23. It is situated near the famous Römerberg square, in the heart of Frankfurt’s historical center.
• Historical Significance: The house is of immense literary and historical importance, as it is the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832). Goethe was born here on August 28, 1749, and spent the early years of his life in this home before moving on to pursue studies and a career in literature and politics.

History of the Goethe House

The Goethe House was originally built in 1700 and was later purchased by Goethe’s father, Johann Caspar Goethe, in 1733. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lived in the house with his family until 1765, when he left Frankfurt to study law in Leipzig and Strasbourg. The house remained in the Goethe family until 1795, when it was sold.

The building was heavily damaged during World War II in 1944, as much of Frankfurt's Old Town was bombed. After the war, a comprehensive restoration was undertaken, and the house was reopened to the public in 1951 as a museum dedicated to Goethe’s life and works.

The Museum and Exhibits

Today, the Goethe House functions as a museum, offering visitors the chance to explore the rooms where the young Goethe spent his early childhood and adolescence, as well as the furnishings, artifacts, and personal items that evoke his family life and the world of the 18th century. The house provides insight into Goethe's early inspirations, which would later shape his literary genius.

The Ground Floor:

• The entrance to the Goethe House leads into a reception room, followed by rooms used by the Goethe family, such as the parlor and the dining room.
• The rooms on the ground floor feature period furniture, portraits, and artifacts that recreate the atmosphere of the 18th-century bourgeois home.
• Visitors can learn about the Goethe family's lifestyle and the social conditions of the time, providing context for Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s early development and exposure to literature, music, and the arts.

The First Floor:

• The first floor contains a series of rooms that would have been part of Goethe's childhood home, including his bedroom and the library.
• The library is of particular interest, as it showcases some of the books that influenced Goethe during his youth. These works helped to shape his early intellectual development and his eventual embrace of Enlightenment ideas.
• The first floor also includes family portraits and memorabilia that reflect the household's cultural and social standing in the 18th century.

The Study:

• Perhaps the most significant room in the house is the study, where Goethe’s father, Johann Caspar Goethe, worked. This space reveals the intellectual atmosphere in which the young Goethe was raised, with access to books, scientific texts, and philosophical discussions.
• The study is also where Goethe would have been introduced to the ideas that sparked his own interest in literature, philosophy, and poetry.

The Second Floor:

• The second floor contains temporary exhibits that change periodically. These exhibits focus on different aspects of Goethe’s life and works, often showcasing themes like Goethe’s influence on later writers, his relationship with other intellectuals, or his travels across Europe.

The Garden:

• The Goethe House also includes a lovely garden, which has been recreated to resemble a 17th-century-style garden. The garden is a serene spot where visitors can take a moment to reflect and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• Goethe’s love of nature is well-known, and the garden reflects his fascination with plants and the natural world, themes which appear in many of his works, especially in Faust.

The Goethe Museum (Adjacent):

• In addition to the Goethe House, there is the Goethe Museum, located in the nearby Goethe University building. The museum houses a collection of Goethe’s personal letters, manuscripts, and rare editions of his works, providing further insight into his life and literary legacy.
• The museum also has exhibits related to the influence of Goethe on various artistic movements, including Romanticism, German Classicism, and the Weimar Classicism era.

Key Features of the Visit

Goethe’s Early Life:

• The Goethe House offers a unique opportunity to see where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spent his formative years. The rooms and artifacts in the house tell the story of his early influences, his relationship with his family, and his intellectual development.
• Visitors can explore how his family’s social standing and personal connections helped to shape his later career as a writer, scientist, and statesman.

The Intellectual Context:

• Goethe was deeply influenced by the cultural currents of the Enlightenment and German Classicism. The museum provides an opportunity to explore how these philosophical movements influenced his work.
• Many of the exhibits emphasize Goethe’s contribution to the German literary tradition and his broader role in European intellectual history.

Original Artifacts and Personal Items:

• The museum’s collection of original manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings of Goethe offer a deeper connection to the man himself. You can see how he worked, what books he read, and what objects were part of his everyday life.

Audio Guides and Information:

• The Goethe House offers audio guides in multiple languages, including English, for visitors who want a more in-depth explanation of the exhibits. Printed guides are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

Literary Atmosphere:

• The Goethe House is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the literary atmosphere of the 18th century. It’s a quiet, reflective environment, offering a glimpse into the early world of one of the greatest writers in history.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

• The Goethe House is open to visitors year-round, generally from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours in summer or for special events. It is closed on Mondays and on certain holidays, so it’s recommended to check the official website for up-to-date details.

Admission Fees:

• The entry fee to the Goethe House is typically €10 for adults. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and children.
• The combined ticket for the Goethe House and the adjacent Goethe Museum is also available at a reduced price.

Location and Accessibility:

• The Goethe House is located in Frankfurt’s Altstadt, and it is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest U-Bahn stations are Römer (U1, U2, U3, U8) and Hauptwache (S1, S2, S3, S4, U1, U2).
• The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators available for visitors with reduced mobility.

Special Events:

• The Goethe House regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions. These events often focus on aspects of Goethe’s life and works, as well as broader themes in German literature and intellectual history.

Conclusion

The Goethe House in Frankfurt is not just a museum, but a place of profound historical and literary significance. It provides a unique glimpse into the early life of one of Germany’s greatest writers and offers a deeper understanding of Goethe’s legacy in shaping not only German literature but also Western thought. For anyone interested in literary history, German culture, or the life of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the Goethe House is an essential destination.