Museum Knoblauchhaus | Stadtmuseum Berlin

In one of Berlin's most beautiful houses, you travel back to the time of the Biedermeier: embark on a journey with the wealthy Knoblauch merchant family. Reconstructed rooms with original furniture offer insights into everyday period life and home decor. For 170 years, the house functions as an important residential and business centre hosting family gatherings and social activities. Celebrity guests, such as the famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and educational reformer Wilhelm von Humboldt, visit. Thus, the house is a place of historical significance.

From home to Biedermeier Museum

In 1761, Nadlermeister Johann Christian Knoblauch builds this three-story corner house in the late Baroque style. It serves not only as a residence but also as an office for the Knoblauch family. From 1821-1918 a family museum is located in the main floor. After that, the entire building becomes a tenement house again, before becoming a venue space in 1989. Since then, it offers a vivid insight into style, culture and history of the Biedermeier years between 1815 and 1848. Enter via a narrow spiral staircase to the first floor, dedicated to the family. The rooms are authentically furnished, as if the family have only just left the house. In the living room are everyday objects and furniture belonging to Henriette Knoblauch, wife of Carl Knoblauch. The furniture of a lady, that is: the writing desk and dressing table, display the functional side of the Biedermeier period. The library tells of long-time house master Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Knoblauch, and his achievements in politics. Carl's brother, Eduard Knoblauch, is a famous architect and student of Karl Schinkel. An original bookcase belonging to him is located in the entrance room. The decoration of the house is typical of this time: very simple and modest. A chandelier designed by Schinkel also reflects discretion: its golden splendour is made from inexpensive substitutes. Also, note the green flowers in the window. Although now so commonplace, this style originated here. On the second floor, you pass through the smaller rooms belonging to the Knoblauch family, learning about the social life, architecture and politics of Berlin through objects, pictures and official documents.

Highlights in the Knoblauchhaus

• rare musical clock from 1797 by the renowned Court clockmakers MacLeod.
• original living room in Biedermeier style.
• chandeliers designed by the architect Friedrich Schinkel.
• Ladies' "Patent Secretary" furniture.
• deathbed of 19th-century naturalist Alexander von Humboldt (with Family crests).

Nearby historic attractions

Next to the Knoblauchhaus, behold the Nikolai Church and its distinctive twin towers. It has been the centre of the historic Nikolai quarter for 800 years. It now serves as museum of the church building and Berlin's history. Its publicly accessible basement is considered the oldest area of the city. Only a few metres from the Knoblauchhaus - close to the famous Museumsinsel (Museum Island) - is the imposing Ephraim-Palais, showcasing temporary exhibitions of Berlin's artistic and cultural history. This rococo building is worth a visit, its majestic staircase a highlight of the interior.

Our tips for your visit

Most conveniently, you can reach the museum by public transport. From Alexanderplatz it is still about 800 metres on foot. Somewhat closer is Klosterstraße, served by the U-Bahn line U2. Or you can take bus lines M48 or 248 to Berliner Rathaus. Entrance to the Museum is free, though voluntary donations are collected. A one-hour guided tour of the house is available upon request. With the Berlin Museum Pass you get free admission to all national museums in Berlin, including Museum Island and the Jewish Museum.