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4. Luther House and Museum

Luther House and Museum, Wittenberg

Exterior of the Lutherhaus (Luther House), a former Augustinian monastery in Wittenberg. Photo © Holly Hayes. View all images in our Luther House and Museum Photo Gallery.

Exterior of the Lutherhaus (Luther House), a former Augustinian monastery in Wittenberg. Photo © Holly Hayes.

The Katharinenportal (Katherine's Door), a birthday gift from Luther's wife, the former nun Katherine von Bora, in 1540. Photo © Holly Hayes.

The Luther family living room, where the conversations recorded by students in "Table Talk" (starting in 1531) took place. The only woman allowed here was Luther's wife, Katherine von Bora. It was not… Photo © Holly Hayes.

Original portrait of Martin Luther from the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1528. Photo © Holly Hayes.

Original portrait of Katherine von Bora from the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1528. Photo © Holly Hayes.

Luther's prayer book, published in 1522. This is one of only two surviving original copies from this date. Photo © Holly Hayes.

The earliest known copy of Luther's hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," first published in 1529. This copy is the second edition, dating from 1533. Photo © Holly Hayes.

Close-up of Martin Luther's robe, made around 1517. Photo © Holly Hayes.

Wooden mug of the early 16th century with a silver mounting of 1694. An admirer of Luther added the mounting. The lid is engraved with a portrait of Luther and the inscription: "Word of God: Luther's… Photo © Holly Hayes.

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 on the Luther House and Museum

Map of the Luther House and Museum

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Luther House and Museum. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

1. Personal visit (April 11, 2008).
2. Signs in the museum.

More Information

• Luther House and Museum, Wittenberg - Go Historic
• Photos of Luther House and Museum - here on Sacred Destinations

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