Keplerhaus (Kepler House), Linz

The Kepler House (Keplerhaus) is both a historic residence and a tribute to one of astronomy’s greatest figures, Johannes Kepler. Situated in the heart of the old town, the house preserves the memory of the years between 1612 and 1627 when Kepler lived and worked here. It was during this period that he completed the Tabulae Rudolphinae (Rudolphine Tables), groundbreaking planetary charts that shaped the future of astronomy. The house stands as a physical reminder of Linz’s connection to the scientific revolution of the early 17th century.

Architecturally, the Kepler House reflects the simple yet elegant character of a Renaissance burgher’s home. Its façade, with arched windows and modest ornamentation, blends into the fabric of Linz’s historic center while carrying traces of the city’s prosperous past. The interior layout retains the atmosphere of a scholarly household, with vaulted ceilings and sturdy walls that once sheltered Kepler’s tireless work. Careful preservation has ensured that visitors can experience not just the story of Kepler but also the sense of place he inhabited, where everyday life and scientific discovery coexisted.

Inside, the building houses exhibitions that bring Kepler’s legacy to life. Displays explain his three laws of planetary motion, his efforts to unite scientific progress with spiritual belief, and his personal life in Linz. Artifacts, interactive elements, and historical documents help visitors understand the intellectual climate of Kepler’s time. Beyond its role as a museum, the Kepler House also serves as a venue for lectures and cultural events, maintaining its tradition as a house of learning and reflection.