In the Faust theme year, the Weimar Controversies are dedicated to the Gretchen questions of our time: What do we think about religion? What holds the world together at its core? The range of topics in Goethe's Faust is extensive. Based on the drama, we ask about seduction and gender relations, about youth and old age, about evil, about science and ecology, but also about whether we should continue to read this classic of German literature in the future.
We would like to enter into dialogue with our guests on this topic. At the same time, with the Weimar Controversies 2025, we are seeking out a location outside of Weimar for the first time by hosting this debate format at the Leipzig Book Fair or in the Berlin Room of the Klassik Stiftung.
Guided tours
Treasures of the Faust collection
With over 21,000 objects and publications, the Duchess Anna Amalia Library houses the world's largest collection of works relating to the literary and historical figure Faust. In addition to various Faust adaptations and book editions, it also includes hand drawings, art prints, comics, musical and film interpretations as well as stage manuscripts and advertising posters on the subject of Faust.
Visitors can experience selected objects up close on guided tours. Staff from the Klassik Stiftung Weimar present illustrations of Faust, illustrate the history of Faust productions and explain the dissemination of the Faust material in the 19th century. Participants will also learn more about the craft techniques involved in book production and gain insights into aspects of materiality and conservation/restoration.
In 2025, we are once again inviting you to the Open Stage directly in front of Weimar City Palace every week during the summer months! The Open Stage is open to musicians from all genres. Whether punk, classical, rock, cover songs or original pieces, years of experience or just starting out - our stage is open to everyone! Registration and information via open-stage@klassik-stiftung.de
When? June - July, every Wed, 6 - 9 pm
Highlights 2025
All the event and exhibition highlights you shouldn't miss in 2025:
21. March
Start of the season | Start of the summer season
all museums and locations of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar
Exhibition opening "Oskar Schlemmer's stage design for "Don Juan and Faust""
Projects of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Free State of Thuringia, represented by the State Chancellery of Thuringia, Department of Culture and the Arts.
