As das Land der Dichter und Denker — “the country of poets and thinkers” – Germany’s cultural prowess is world-renowned. From the classic tomes of Goethe and Schiller to the musical genius of Beethoven and Bach, there’s plenty to swot up on before you even start your trip.
t The artist’s studio at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Max Liebermann (1902)
Home to some of the leading players of Europe’s artistic movements, Germany has myriad galleries and museums to explore. Head to the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus in Nürnberg to find out about the life of Renaissance painter Dürer, view Otto Dix’s Impressionist delights at Stuttgart’s Kunstmuseum or get up close to Max Liebermann at Dresden’s Albertinum.
With a back catalogue featuring the likes of Goethe, Schiller, Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse and Günter Grass, it’s little wonder that German-language authors have won the Nobel Prize in Literature an impressive 13 times. Their reputation grew in the 18th century, with movements like Sturm und Drang and Weimar Classicism, and has continued ever since. Translated editions are readily available, so pack a book to enjoy on the go.
The theatre has always influenced German culture, and its writers and directors have inspired generations. An example of the strength of this legacy is the Oberammergauer Passionspiele: first staged in the Bavarian village in 1634, it is remarkably still staged there every ten years. Of course, heavyweights Lessing, Goethe and Schiller dominate the scene but there is plenty to be enjoyed from later centuries, via such leading lights as Bertolt Brecht. Check out the latest performances at Weimar’s Deutsches Nationaltheater.
Bach, Beethoven, Brahms: the world of classical music is dominated by German genius. Head to Bonn to explore the life of local boy Beethoven (time your visit with the Beethovenfestival) or visit Wagner’s home town, Bayreuth.
Germany was a pioneer in the early years of the film industry, with the world’s first public film showing held in Berlin in 1895. Visitors can explore this exciting and innovative part of Germany’s history at Berlin’s Museum für Film und Fernsehen.
Germany’s Cultural Legacy
Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nürnberg
Explore antiquities from the Germanspeaking world.
Deutsches Museum, Munich
You’ll need a full day to see the staggering collection at this technology and science museum.
DDR Museum, Berlin
A fascinating look at daily life in former East Germany.
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