Research Centre for European Classicism

The Research Centre for European Classicism focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to the phenomenon of "Classicism". Starting with Weimar Classicism and the collections in the Goethe and Schiller Archive, the Duchess Anna Amalia Library and the Weimar museums where document it, it takes the various classics of European cultural history at a glance and analyses the genesis, internal dynamics and the history of the influence of each work.

The research centre explores how far the European classics are drawn from their ancient epochs of reference and places them into their respective contexts in social, scientific and cultural history. The complex history of the term "Classicism" and its specific use in various disciplines and aspects of cultural policy are the subject of intensive reflection. The research centre’s activities are sponsored by the Klassik Stiftung Weimar insofar as this is financially viable. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting the research centre’s annual conferences and the publications originating from them. Support can also be provided to cover the start-up phase of research projects provided there is a likelihood of third-party sponsorship. The work carried out by the members of the research centre is voluntary.

Members of the research centre include internationally renowned scientists in various fields. The research centre’s executive board comprises twelve members, seven of whom are elected. The five permanent members of the executive board are all representatives of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar: three directors (Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek, Goethe- und Schiller-Archiv, Museums) as well as the Head of Department and the Research Advisor from the Department of Research | Kolleg Friedrich Nietzsche.

Administrative tasks are carried out in the research centre’s office, located in the Klassik Stiftung’s Department of Research | Kolleg Friedrich Nietzsche.