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Mendelssohn-Haus

About

Imagine a unique opportunity to visit the home of one of the most celebrated composers of the 19th century. The Mendelssohn House is the only surviving residence in Leipzig where the great Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy lived, worked, and hosted guests. This house in Germany has become a true place of pilgrimage for music lovers from all over the world.

Mendelssohn House
Mendelssohn House. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum is located in an elegant building constructed in 1844. The composer moved here with his family in 1845, occupying a spacious eight-room apartment on the second floor. It was here that he spent the final years of his life, creating immortal works and hosting chamber concerts attended by the era's finest musicians.

Thanks to the initiative of conductor Kurt Masur, a museum was opened here in 1997, carefully restoring the great maestro's everyday life and creative atmosphere. Today, it is a modern cultural space where historical interiors harmonize with interactive exhibits, making it an engaging visit for seasoned music scholars and families with children alike.

Contacts

For more details about your visit or to book concert tickets, you can use the museum's official contact information. The Mendelssohn House is always open to connecting with visitors and classical art enthusiasts.

How to contactContact
AddressGoldschmidtstraße 12, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
Phone+49 341 9628820
Websitewww.mendelssohn-stiftung.de

What to Do

Music literally comes to life in this museum. You can stroll through the music salon, which features an authentic interior with original furniture, and see musical manuscripts, personal letters, and even watercolor sketches made by Mendelssohn himself during his travels. Every corner of the apartment is steeped in the spirit of creativity, allowing you to touch history.

One of the most exciting attractions is the modern Effektorium. Here, anyone can step into the shoes of a conductor: using virtual technology, you can lead an orchestra performing the composer's works. You can change the acoustics by choosing the venue — from a solemn church to a cozy home salon.

Don't miss the chance to attend the Sunday morning concerts, which start at 11:00 AM and continue the long tradition of musical gatherings in this home. On the third floor, an exhibition dedicated to the composer's sister, Fanny Mendelssohn, awaits you, featuring hundreds of her letters and documents. After the tour, you can stop by the cozy café or pick up a keepsake at the souvenir shop on the ground floor.

Getting There

The museum is located in the heart of the city at Goldschmidtstraße 12. Thanks to its central location, it is easy to find even for first-time visitors to the city. If you arrive at the main station, Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, the walk to the site takes about 15–20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the architecture of the historical quarters along the way.

For those who prefer public transport, trams and buses run regularly in the area. You can reach it from the central square or the station in just a few minutes. Taxis are also always available to take you directly to the doors of the historic mansion from anywhere in the center in minimal time.

Exact geographic coordinates for your GPS: 51.3362633 N and 12.3832451 E. The late neoclassical building stands out on the street, making it easy to recognize this significant cultural landmark.

Ближайший город: Leipzig

History & Facts

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was not only an outstanding composer but also a true reformer of 19th-century European musical life. In 1843, he founded the world's first music conservatory and conducted the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. Few know that it was thanks to his efforts that the world rediscovered the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, which had been unfairly forgotten by that time.

The apartment on Goldschmidtstraße was the maestro's final home. He spent two productive years of his life here and passed away in 1847. The house preserves the atmosphere of the time when masterpieces were born within its walls and lively discussions about the future of art took place.

Interestingly, the tradition of Sunday concerts, which continues at the museum today, dates back to Felix's childhood in Berlin. In his parents' home, musical evenings brought together the intellectual elite, serving as a platform not only for creativity but also for literary and political debates. Today, every visitor can feel like a part of this great history while listening to the famous "Wedding March" where its author spent his final days.

Time Needed

To leisurely explore all eight rooms of the apartment, examine the composer's personal belongings, and interact with the exhibits, you will typically need 1.5 to 2 hours. This is enough time to soak in the atmosphere of the era and learn about the major milestones of the maestro's work.

If you plan to attend a Sunday concert, we recommend adding another hour to your visit. The concerts begin at 11:00 AM and last for 60 minutes. It's also worth considering the time for Saturday tours, which take about two hours and offer a deeper dive into Mendelssohn's biography.

Working Hours

The Mendelssohn House museum is open daily, which is very convenient for tourists with busy schedules. The doors are welcomingly open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Pay special attention to every second Thursday of the month: on these days, museum admission is free (except for public holidays). If you plan to attend a traditional concert, remember that they take place on Sundays and start at 11:00 AM.

10:00 – 18:00

Nearby

A walk around the museum's neighborhood will allow you to immerse yourself deeper in the city's atmosphere and find interesting leisure options. Exploring this area can significantly enrich your experience, as both cultural sites and recreational spots are located nearby.

Below is a list of interesting locations within walking distance or a short ride from the museum:

NameDistance
Grassi Museum of Applied Arts0.4 km
Augustusplatz Bar0.5 km
Mädler Passage0.6 km
Leipzig Museum of City History, Old Town Hall0.7 km
Forum of Contemporary History Leipzig0.7 km
Old Stock Exchange0.7 km
Imperii0.7 km

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