Guided tours

The Gotha Research Library offers guided tours of the display rooms at Friedenstein Palace (Schlossplatz 1, 99867 Gotha).

The Perthes Collection in the Perthes Forum (Justus-Perthes-Straße 1-9, 99867 Gotha), which belongs to the Research Library, offers guided tours on the Perthes Collection Open Day, which takes place twice a year.

All tours are by appointment only.

The Gotha Research Library is part of the impressive architectural ensemble of Friedenstein Castle. It has been located in the east tower of Friedenstein Palace since 1698 and expanded over all floors of the tower and into the east wing in the 19th and 20th centuries.  The guided tours show the historic library room, the former living quarters of the dukes of Gotha and the outstanding historic coin cabinet. These rooms are now used as book stacks.

 

“Books – Knowledge – Change”

Guided tours through the historical showrooms of the Gotha Research Library will take place on 1 July, 2 September and 7 October 2026 at 5 pm. The tour on 5 August will begin at 2 pm. The guided tours on 4 November and 2 December start at 4 pm.

Meeting point: Entrance to the Gotha Research Library (1st floor)

Please note: The guided tours are held in German.

Due to limited capacity, please register by calling 0361/737-5530 or veranstaltungen.fb@uni-erfurt.de.

 

Special guided tours

August 19, 2026: The Library in the East Tower of Friedenstein Castle: Tour of the Building's History

Staircase in the East Tower of Friedenstein Castle, Gotha

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Meeting point: Entrance to the Research Library (1st floor)

‘The Library in the East Tower of Friedenstein Castle: Tour of the Building's History’

Guided tour of the east tower of Friedenstein Castle with architectural historian Udo Hopf (Weimar) 

Due to limited capacity, we kindly ask you to register by calling 0361/737-5530 or sending an email to veranstaltungen.fb@uni-erfurt.de.

 

October 14, 2026: ‘The Library in the East Tower of Friedenstein Castle: Tour of the Building's History

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Meeting point: Entrance to the Research Library (1st floor)

‘The Library in the East Tower of Friedenstein Castle: Tour of the Building's History’

Family tour of the east tower of Friedenstein Castle with architectural historian Udo Hopf (Weimar) 

Due to limited capacity, we kindly ask you to register by calling 0361/737-5530 or sending an email to veranstaltungen.fb@uni-erfurt.de.

October 24, 2026: Open Day at the Perthes Collection

Saturday, 24 October | 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 1 pm and 2 pm | Meeting point: Ancestral Hall

“Globes of the Perthes Collection”. Four special guided tours

Due to limited capacity, please register from 12 October by calling 0361/737-5581 (Mon–Fri: 9 am–3 pm)

October 24, 2026: 20th Gotha Museum Night / Libraries’ Day

Saturday, 24 October | 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm | Meeting point: Entrance to the Research Library (1st floor)

20th Gotha Museum Night / Libraries’ Day 

Guided tours of the historical exhibition rooms at the Gotha Research Library

Organised by: Friedenstein Foundation Gotha in collaboration with the Gotha Research Library 

Participation is limited to 25 people per tour. Free admission tickets are available at the Info Point.

October 31, 2026: Reformation Day guided tour

Gothaer Chorbuch 1545. FB Gotha, Chart. A 98, fol. 158v-159r

Saturday, 31 October | 10 am | Meeting point: Entrance to the Research Library (1st floor)

Reformation Day guided tour: ”Luther and Liturgy”

with Dr Katrin Henzel (Gotha Research Library)

Due to limited capacity, please register by 29 October by calling 0361/737-5530 or emailing veranstaltungen.fb@uni-erfurt.de.

November 18, 2026: ‘In the Catacombs of Knowledge’

Cellar in the east tower of Friedenstein Castle

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Meeting point: Castle courtyard, entrance to the Ducal Staircase

‘In the Catacombs of Knowledge’

Guided tour through the cellars of the east wing and east tower of Friedenstein Castle with architectural historian Udo Hopf (Weimar)

Due to limited capacity, we kindly ask you to register by calling 0361/737-5530 or sending an email to veranstaltungen.fb@uni-erfurt.de.