Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek

History 

The Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek (Duchess Anna Amalia Library) is one of the most famous libraries in Germany. Anna Amalia had the 'Green Palace' turned into a library comprising a unique combination of books, an art collection and architecture. The Rococo Hall is especially famous. On the evening of September 2nd 2004, a devastating fire broke out in the original building of the Herzogin Anna Amalia Library and developed into the largest library fire in Germany since WW II.

The historical building, which belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage, was damaged by fire and water, and the third floor and the attic were completely destroyed. During the night of the fire and the following days, more than nine hundred helpers evacuated tens of thousands of books and art works out of the building and from under the rubble left after the fire. Large parts of the valuable collection were maintained, to which medieval autographs, incunabula (early printed books dating from before 1500), globes and maps belong, as well as the largest Faust collection in the world and Nietzsche's private library. Of the 50,000 burned volumes, about three quarters are estimated to be replaceable on the long term.

Visitation

Due to conservational reasons, the number of visitors is limited and the Rococo Hall can only be visited with fixed timeslots. Admission tickets are sold out a long time in advance - the current waiting list is approximately five months. A small number of contingency tickets (ca. 50) is reserved for individual visitors who wish to buy tickets on the day of their visit. These are only available from 9.00 am at the box office in the historical library building. Please be aware that these tickets may be sold out due to high demand.

We recommend that groups reserve their tickets well in advance. Tickets for individual visitors and groups can be ordered from the visitor information centre. The historical building of the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek is largely accessible for the disabled. However, some restrictions are necessary for conservational reasons.

Phone: +49 (0) 3643-545400
info@klassik-stiftung.de
tourist-info@weimar.de