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 14 January, 4 February, 4 March, 1 April, 20 May und 1 July 2026 at 5 pm. The tour on 3 June 2026 will begin at 2 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
March 14, 2026: Perthes Collection Open Day
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 9.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. | Meeting point: Ancestral Hall in the Perthes Forum Gotha
Perthes Collection Open Day: ‘Map Stories’. Four guided tours of the Perthes Collection
Due to limited capacity, we kindly request that you register in advance, starting on February 23, by calling 0361/737-5581 (Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.).
March 25, 2026: The Library in the East Tower of Friedenstein Castle: Tour of the Building's History
Wednesday, March 25, 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.
April 8, 2026: ‘In the Catacombs of Knowledge’
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Meeting point: Castle courtyard, entrance to the Ducal Staircase
‘In the Catacombs of Knowledge’
Family 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.
June 10, 2026: ‘The Library in the East Tower of Friedenstein Castle: Tour of the Building's History’
Wednesday, June 10, 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.
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