The Goethe and Schiller Archive in Weimar is the oldest literary archive in Germany and one of the most important in the world. The building in the neoclassical style is located on a panoramic hill above the River Ilm and preserves the original manuscripts, letters, diaries, and personal documents of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and many other key figures of German classicism.
Founded in 1885 by Grand Duchess Sophie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, the archive was established with the aim of preserving the cultural and intellectual heritage of the "Weimar Classicism." Today, it houses over 140 archival collections, including those of Wieland, Herder, Nietzsche, Liszt, and other writers, philosophers, and composers of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The site is not only a center for academic research but also accessible to visitors by appointment, offering them a direct insight into original documents and unique collections. The majestic building, surrounded by green spaces, is also a place for contemplation and study, where one can trace the intense intellectual activity that has shaped Weimar.
The Goethe and Schiller Archive is an essential destination for literature, history, and culture enthusiasts, nestled in a landscape and cultural environment of exceptional charm.