Goethe-Museum, Dusseldorf

The Goethe Museum in Dusseldorf is a premier cultural-historical museum dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany's most renowned literary figures. Located in the stunning Rococo-style Schloss Jagerhof, the museum opened its doors in 1956, showcasing the vast private collection initially amassed by publisher Anton Kippenberg. The institution is sustained through the Anton and Katharina Kippenberg Foundation alongside the City of Dusseldorf, emphasizing its commitment to Goethe’s enduring legacy.

Housing around 50,000 items, the collection includes original manuscripts, letters, first editions, paintings, and sculptures, offering an intimate look into Goethe's life and works. Unique exhibits, like Goethe’s personal correspondence, portraits, and even a lock of his hair, allow visitors to delve deeply into his era. The museum also explores Goethe’s contributions to science with an exhibit on "Light, Color, and Color Theory," reflecting his fascination with natural phenomena.

The museum extends beyond exhibitions, encompassing a manuscript archive, research library, art collection, and event space. Temporary exhibitions continue to draw visitors with their thematic range, from Goethe’s literary connections to Martin Luther’s Reformation to modern reinterpretations of Goethe’s theories. Through these efforts, the Goethe Museum positions itself not only as a guardian of historical artifacts but also as a dynamic space for engaging with Goethe’s influence on contemporary culture and thought.