Goethe House

Goethe House, or Goethe-Haus as it is known locally, stands as a testament to the rich literary heritage of Germany, nestled in the heart of Frankfurt's Innenstadt district. This historic house museum is the birthplace and early home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the most significant figures in German literature. The house offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of Goethe, where he penned some of his early works and nurtured his literary genius.

The History of Goethe House

The origins of Goethe House date back to around 1618 when it was first built by the Flemish goldsmith Matthis van Hinsberg. The property changed hands several times before being acquired in 1733 by Cornelia Goethe, Johann Wolfgang’s grandmother. Cornelia, who had previously owned an inn on the nearby Zeil street, purchased two adjoining properties and resided in them, connecting the two by demolishing the dividing wall.

Johann Caspar Goethe, Johann Wolfgang's father, moved into the property in 1741 and married Catharina Elisabeth Goethe in 1748. It was here, on August 28, 1749, that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. After Cornelia's death in 1754, Johann Caspar undertook a significant renovation of the house, which included demolishing one of the smaller adjoining properties and expanding the remaining one to create a larger home. This renovation preserved the double eaves of the facade, a unique feature that was allowed to remain as a modification of an existing building rather than new construction.

Goethe lived in the house until he left for Leipzig in 1765 to study law. He returned to the family home in 1768 due to illness and again after completing his studies in Strasbourg in 1771. During his stays, Goethe wrote and published some of his early works, including Götz von Berlichingen and The Sorrows of Young Werther. He also began drafting Faust during this period.

After the death of Johann Caspar in 1782, Catharina Elisabeth Goethe found it challenging to manage the large house alone and sold it in 1795. The property changed owners several times before being acquired by the Freies Deutsches Hochstift (Free German Foundation) in 1863, which restored it to its original state and opened it to the public as a museum.

Exploring Goethe House

Visitors to Goethe House can immerse themselves in the 18th-century ambiance that shaped the young Goethe. The museum meticulously recreates the living conditions of the time, with period furniture, paintings, and personal artifacts that belonged to the Goethe family. Each room in the house tells a story, offering insights into the daily life and creative environment that influenced Goethe's early works.

One of the highlights is the study where Goethe wrote many of his early masterpieces. The room is furnished with a writing desk, books, and other personal items that give a sense of the poet's working environment. The library, filled with books from Goethe's time, reflects his voracious reading habits and intellectual curiosity.

The music room, where the family would gather to enjoy musical performances, is another fascinating space. It features a collection of musical instruments and sheet music, showcasing the Goethe family's appreciation for the arts. The dining room, with its elegant table settings and period decor, offers a glimpse into the social life of the Goethe family, who often hosted gatherings and discussions with intellectuals of the time.

The Museum and Reconstruction

Goethe House and the adjoining Goethe Museum were heavily damaged during an Allied bombing raid on March 22, 1944. Fortunately, most of the house's contents had been removed for safekeeping, preserving many of the original artifacts. The decision to rebuild Goethe House was not without controversy, with some advocating for the site to remain in ruins as a memorial. However, the Freies Deutsches Hochstift, supported by prominent figures like Nobel laureate Hermann Hesse and philosopher Karl Jaspers, argued for its reconstruction.

The rebuilding process, which began in 1947 under the direction of architect Theo Kellner, was guided by detailed plans and photographs of the original structure. Authentic materials and craftsmanship were used wherever possible to faithfully recreate the house as it stood in Goethe's time. The restored Goethe House was reopened to the public on May 10, 1951, by Theodor Heuss, the then-President of West Germany.

In 2021, Goethe House was integrated with the newly opened Deutsches Romantik-Museum (German Romanticism Museum), allowing visitors to explore both museums with a single entrance. This expansion offers a broader context for understanding Goethe's work within the Romantic movement and provides a richer experience for those interested in German literature and culture.

Architectural Features

The facade of Goethe House, a blend of Baroque and Rococo styles, is a faithful reproduction of the original design from the mid-18th century. The double eaves, a distinctive feature, were preserved during the renovation by Johann Caspar Goethe and replicated in the post-war reconstruction. The elegant exterior, with its symmetrical windows and decorative details, reflects the architectural trends of affluent Frankfurt homes of that era.

Inside, the house's layout and decor transport visitors back to the 18th century. The rooms are arranged to reflect the Goethe family's daily life, with attention to historical accuracy in the furnishings and decor. The house's intimate atmosphere allows visitors to connect with Goethe's personal history and the cultural milieu that shaped his early years.

Goethe House is not just a museum; it is a journey into the past, offering a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of Germany's greatest literary figures. Whether you are a literature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the life of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a visit to Goethe House in Frankfurt is an enriching and inspiring experience.