The Historic Library
In 1725, Francke ordered a new building specifically to hold the substantial book collection. Three years later, in 1728, this stone-built house in front of you was completed – the oldest existing purpose-built public library in Germany. In the library hall, we seem to be looking at a stage backdrop in a theatre – which is why it is known as a Kulissenbibliothek, since the shelves at right-angles created a kind of ‘perspective scenery’ known, for example, from the baroque theatres.
In Francke’s day, a building devoted solely to books was a sensation. There was only ONE other free-standing library anywhere in Germany ‑ the ducal library at Wolfenbüttel.
[...] with time […] they may grow into a good library / that will prove to be a benefit to the pupils.
Raise the curtain on a grandiose spectacle: books, books, books ... and shelves, shelves, shelves. At first glance, the baroque shelves lined up in a row look as if they were made of precious marble. The arrangement creates the impression that they are theatre scenery on a stage - that is why the hall is called »Kulissenmagazin«.
The Francke Foundations Library regularly shows treasures from its own collection in cabinet exhibitions. Find out about the current exhibition on the website.
