Das Robert-Schumann-Haus, Zwickau

Robert Schumann was born in this house on 8th June, 1810. The original structure dates back to before 1500, and a museum was first established in 1910 on the centenary of the composer's birth. By 1955 the house had fallen into disrepair and was completely rebuilt (with only the facade preserved) to commemorate the 1956 centenary of the composer's death. Today the house serves as a museum, archive and research institute, and a venue for recitals.

The museum contains many objects, books, manuscripts, scores, letters, diaries, papers, instruments and furniture from the lives of both Robert and Clara Schumann. The highlight of the museum is the so-called Gedenkzimmer in which there is a recently (1995/6) restored Stein-Flügel (grand piano made in Vienna in 1825) on which Clara, aged 9, made her debut in the Leipziger Gewandhaus.

The internationally respected archive and research institute contains many specialist collections, including the complete first editions of the works of both Robert and Clara Schumann.

Full details (in German) about the museum, opening hours and chamber music recitals can be found at the official website of the Robert-Schumann Haus. The Information page on this Schumann website has further details.