Lutherhaus Eisenach

One of the oldest half-timbered houses in Thuringia, the Lutherhaus in Eisenach is a treasure trove of history and architectural beauty. This charming structure, believed to have been the residence of Martin Luther during his school years from 1498 to 1501, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past while standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Reformation.

The Historical Foundation

Martin Luther's connection to Eisenach runs deep. Born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Luther's early education took him to various cities, including Magdeburg and Eisenach. In Eisenach, he initially stayed with relatives but soon found himself singing from house to house to support himself. According to his first biographer, Johann Mathesius, Luther's singing impressed a local woman named Ursula Cotta, who took him into her home. The Cotta family, influential and well-to-do, owned several properties in Eisenach, including the house that now bears Luther's name.

During his time in Eisenach, Luther attended the parish school of St. George and was deeply influenced by his spiritual experiences at the Collegium schalbense, a pious circle of laypeople connected to the Franciscans. He also participated in gatherings at the home of the secular priest Johannes Braun, where music, prayer, and discussions on spiritual and humanistic books were common. These formative years in Eisenach left a lasting impression on Luther, who always remembered the city fondly.

Luther on the Wartburg (1521-1522)

In 1521, after refusing to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms, Luther was declared an outlaw. To protect him from imminent danger, he was kidnapped and taken to the Wartburg Castle, where he assumed the alias Junker Jörg. During his time in seclusion, Luther undertook the monumental task of translating the New Testament from Greek into German, a project that would have a profound impact on the German language and the spread of Reformation ideas.

Architectural Evolution of the Lutherhaus

The Lutherhaus has undergone several transformations since its initial construction. Dendrochronological studies have dated a smaller predecessor building to 1269, making it one of the oldest half-timbered houses in Thuringia. In 1356, the southern part of the building was significantly expanded, giving the house its current size and shape. By the early 16th century, the house was already in the possession of the Cotta family.

In the 1560s, the building was acquired by Hans Leonhard, a Renaissance architect who is often credited with adding the decorative Renaissance façade. However, recent research suggests that this façade might have originally belonged to a nearby electoral residence and was only added to the Lutherhaus after the residence was demolished in 1742. The exact timing of the half-timbered extension is also debated, with some suggesting it was added after the great fire of 1636, while others believe it was constructed in the 16th century.

The Lutherhaus as a Museum

In 1898, the Lutherhaus became home to a restaurant called the Lutherkeller, where the owner, Adolf Lukaß, displayed the Lutherstuben for an additional fee. Despite surviving various wars and city fires relatively unscathed, the building suffered significant damage from a British air raid in 1944. The northern façade was heavily damaged, but the southern part, including the Lutherstuben, remained intact. After World War II, the house was quickly restored.

The Museum from 1956 to 2013

After the war, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thuringia rented the house and expanded the existing Luther memorial. In 1956, under the direction of Willy Quandt, the Lutherhaus was opened as a memorial site, museum, and archive. The church eventually acquired full ownership of the house and continued to use it as a site of Reformation remembrance. Despite several restorations, the building's capacity and conditions for preserving the archives became increasingly inadequate. The last major modernization before 2013 was the 1996 permanent exhibition Discovering Martin Luther Anew, which served as a model for the Lutherhaus in Wittenberg.

The New Lutherhaus (2013 to Today)

In preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the Lutherhaus underwent extensive restoration and renovation from 2013 to 2015. These efforts aimed to preserve the historical integrity of the building while making it more accessible and engaging for modern visitors. Today, the Lutherhaus stands as a beautifully restored museum that offers a comprehensive look at Martin Luther's life, his time in Eisenach, and the broader history of the Reformation. Interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and detailed displays make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the life and legacy of Martin Luther.

In conclusion, the Lutherhaus in Eisenach is not just a historical building; it is a living monument to the Reformation and the enduring impact of Martin Luther's work. Its walls tell stories of a young boy who would grow up to change the world, and its exhibits bring to life the turbulent and transformative times of the 16th century. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a Reformation scholar, or simply a curious traveler, the Lutherhaus offers a rich and rewarding experience that connects the past with the present in a profoundly meaningful way.