Luther House, Wittenberg 
Click to enlarge and see our Lutherhaus Photo Gallery for more photos.
Exterior of the Augustinian monastery that became Luther's family home.
The Katherinenportal, commissioned by Katherine von Bora in 1540.
The Lutherstube, or living room of the Luthers.
Portraits of Martin Luther and Katharina by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Prayer book written by Luther.
A very early copy of Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
Luther's robe, made for him around 1517.
Luther's wooden drinking mug, with silver mounting added in 1694.
The Luther House (German: Lutherhalle or Lutherhaus) in Wittenberg, Germany, is the most important and interesting Reformation museum in Germany. It is located in the Augustinian monastery where Luther lived, first as a monk and later as owner with his family. In addition to the well-preserved rooms that were used by Luther, the museum contains an unsurpassed collection of Reformation manuscripts and artifacts.
History
The Augustinian monastery of Wittenberg, at which Martin Luther was a monk, was dissolved at the outset of the Reformation. Part of it was made into a residence hall for students and the rest was given to Luther as a family home.
This building hosted several important events in Luther's life, not the least of which is his conversion from fearful monk to confident preacher of "justification by faith alone."
Later, the Luthers' living room was the setting of the famous conversations held with university students, recorded in Table Talk beginning in 1531. It was also from here that Martin and Katie Luther's wedding procession left for the nearby City Church of St. Mary.
What to See
Today, Martin Luther's house is well-preserved as a museum dedicated to the reformer and the Reformation. You can explore the Lutherstube (Luther's Room), a grand hall with a coffered wooden ceiling and Renaissance tiled oven, and the smallish lecture hall where Luther taught up to 400 students at a time.
In the courtyard is the ornate Katharinenportal (Katharina's Door), which was a birthday gift from Luther's wife, a former nun, in 1540.
The Lutherhalle (Luther Museum) boasts the world's most important collection of objects related to the history of the German Reformation, including Luther's own desk, the pulpit from which he preached at the Stadtkirche, his teaching robe, and first editions of his books. For Luther pilgrims and history buffs, there is no better collection of relics.
The museum also includes an interesting section on Reformation art, with portraits of Luther and propaganda work by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the Younger. Of special note is Cranach the Elder's famous didactic painting of The Commandments.
Just down the street is the Luther Oak (Luthereich) marking the spot where Luther burned a papal bull of excommunication in 1520.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Luther House; Lutherhaus; Lutherhalle; Luther Museum |
| Location: | Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany |
| Categories: | Museums; Historical Sites; World Heritage Sites |
| Faith: | Museum |
| Denomination: | Lutheran |
| Status: | museum |
| Date: | 16th century |
| Architecture: | Renaissance |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 51.863914° N, 12.652522° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Collegienstrasse 54, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany |
| Phone: | 03491/498610 |
| Website: | www.martinluther.de |
| Hours: | Nov-Mar: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun 9am-6pm Closed Mondays |
| Cost: | 3.80€ for adults, 2.50€ for students and people ages 7 to 18, and free for children 6 and under |
| Photography: | Permitted |
| Facilities: | Gift shop |
Travel Resources
- Wittenberg Map - our detailed interactive map of Wittenberg, plus hand-picked links to more
- Wittenberg Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Wittenberg Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Wittenberg tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Luther House. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Wittenberg Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (April 11, 2008).
- Signs in the museum.
Article last updated: 10/27/2009.
