John F. Kennedy Haus

The John F. Kennedy House is a five-story administrative building at Kennedy Square in central Darmstadt that blends 1930s design elements with post-war modernist features. The structure stands out for its asymmetrically arranged sundials, flat roofs, and seven stone portraits positioned between the top floor windows.

The building was constructed in 1951 by architect Peter Grund as a US Residence Office and served as the first German-American Institute in Germany starting from 1953. This role shaped its significance as a center for German-American relations during the post-war period.

The building has served as a Literature House since 1998 and hosts the Darmstadt Art Archive. Visitors encounter regular readings and exhibitions that reflect the city's active literary and artistic community.

The building is centrally located at Kennedy Square and easily accessible on foot. Visitors should note that the Literature House operates with regular hours that are worth checking in advance.

The building's exterior corners feature slightly protruding facade plates, a subtle design detail that emphasizes its modern architecture. The entrance is framed by ornately decorated natural stone, which contrasts with the building's minimalist modernist design.