The Nibelung Museum in Worms, the setting for the Nibelung saga, is the world's first museum to be devoted to a myth and the only one which deals with the saga of the Nibelungs. The complex was opened in 2001 and integrates a section of the historical Worms town wall and two 11th century towers into its structure. The museum is like a walk-through audio book. The extraordinary multimedia exhibition sheds light on the mythical character of the Nibelung saga. Multilingual headsets and audio guides lead each visitor through the Nibelung saga. Closed on Mondays.
» www.nibelungenmuseum.de
Opened in 1979, the Bible Museum displays over 500 items documenting the Word of God down the ages, including original manuscripts and translations. Covering an area of 200m˛, the museum is part of Münster's acclaimed Institute for New Testament Textual Research. Highlights include the Greek New Testament in manuscript and printed form from the 16th century to the present day, manuscripts and printed versions of the Bible in Latin, the Bible in German (focusing on the translations by Luther), modern editions, illustrations and an accurate replica of the Gutenberg printing press. Closed on Mondays, Sundays and public holidays. Guided tours on request.
» www.uni-muenster.de/bibelmuseum
The Gleimhaus in Halberstadt is one of the oldest German literature museums, established in 1862 in the former home of poet and collector Johann Wilhelm Ludwig Gleim (1719-1803), right next to the cathedral. The historical library of the Gleimhaus contains around 12,000 books spanning the period from the 15th to the early 19th century, included numerous valuable and high-quality printed works. The manuscript archive contains around 10,000 letters, including some written by Lessing, Herder and Schiller, and numerous manuscripts by contemporaries of Gleim. The museum also houses the largest collection of portraits of writers and important 18th century figures. Closed on Mondays.
» www.gleimhaus.de
Gerhart Hauptmann House in the monastery on the island of Hiddensee has been open to the public since 1956 and is something of a rarity for lovers of literature, art and theatre. Of all the places where Hauptmann, important German writer and Nobel prizewinner, worked and lived, it is the only one still preserved in its original condition, just as the master of the house left it in 1943. As soon as visitors step into the hallway they begin to gain a sense of the man and his work. The permanent exhibition documents Hauptmann's life and works. Part of his library, around 1,000 volumes, is housed in his large study. Open all year round. Guided tours available on request.
» www.gerhart-hauptmann-museen.de
The Buddenbrooks House, which provides the setting for Thomas Mann's famous novel, now contains a museum that has served as a tribute to the Mann family's literary legacy since 1993. Based in Lübeck's old town, the permanent exhibition – comprising letters, commentaries and first editions – gives an insight into the life and work of the writers Thomas and Heinrich Mann. Also on display are photos and other contemporary documents, including Thomas Mann's certificate for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1929. The centre regularly hosts special exhibitions focusing on the various members of the Mann family as well as other 20th century writers. Events held in original settings across the town really help bring the novels to life. Open all year round. Guided tours available on request.
» www.buddenbrookhaus.de
