Duchess Anna Amalia Library, library in Germany
The Duchess Anna Amalia Library is a research institution and cultural monument in Weimar housing collections of over 1 million volumes, with approximately 150,000 publicly accessible. The building combines the historic Green Castle from the 1500s with modern wings and holds rare works including about 10,000 Shakespeare volumes and a 1500s Luther Bible.
The collection was founded in the late 1600s and expanded through contributions from noble families and scholars until Duchess Anna Amalia transformed it into a public educational institution in the mid-1700s. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe worked there for over 30 years shaping the collection significantly, before a fire in 2004 caused major damage requiring extensive restoration efforts through 2015.
The library's name reflects the duchess who transformed it into a cultural center and attracted writers like Wieland. Visitors today can sense the connection to Weimar's literary scene through the presence of these historical figures and the works they left behind.
The building is equipped with ramps and elevators allowing visitors with mobility restrictions to access all spaces, including barrier-free restrooms. Plan several hours for your visit and check opening hours in advance to take advantage of guided tours.
Visitors often overlook that the collection houses one of the world's largest Shakespeare collections with about 10,000 volumes, making it a treasure for literature lovers worldwide. This extraordinary collection grew through early collectors' contributions, turning the place into a hidden gem for Shakespeare enthusiasts.
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