Goethe- und Schiller-Archiv

The Goethe- und Schiller-Archiv is Germany's oldest literary archive, housing the manuscript estates of Goethe, Schiller, and other central figures of Weimar Classicism. Founded in 1885 by Grand Duchess Sophie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach as a Goethe archive alone, it expanded in 1889 when Schiller's literary estate was absorbed, and moved into its purpose-built representative building on June 28, 1896. The archive holds autograph manuscripts, personal correspondence, and working drafts that form one of the most important primary sources for German literary scholarship worldwide. Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m.–4 p.m., the site offers rotating exhibitions alongside archival access administered through the Klassik Stiftung Weimar.