Rediscover Cranach
In today's Cranach House with its associated courtyard at Markt 4, Lucas Cranach and Christian Döring ran a print shop where, among other things, Martin Luther's Bible translations were reproduced. Today, the permanent exhibition "Cranach's World" is located here, where visitors can learn everything worth knowing about the life and work of the Cranach family. In addition, exciting special exhibitions on topics related to letterpress printing, language and art are held here on a regular basis.
In 1517/1518, Cranach purchased the largest Wittenberg farm at Schlossstrasse 1 to expand his workshop. Today, you can admire the historic printer's room here, where you can gain impressive insights into the old techniques of letterpress printing. In addition, the picturesque Cranach courtyard invites you to linger: with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake in Café 3 or the Hofwirtschaft, you can review the impressions of the city in a relaxed atmosphere.
Both courtyards are now listed buildings and have been extensively restored.
Permanent exhibition "Cranach's World" in the Cranach House
In the Cranach House at Markt 4, you can experience the world of the Cranachs as it was 500 years ago. Here you will find a diverse selection of artworks by Lucas Cranach the Elder as well as Lucas Cranach the Younger. You will also learn details about working and living in a printing workshop. In the course of renovations to the historic building, wall paintings were also uncovered, which can also be marveled at.
However, Lucas Cranach the Elder and the Younger were not only known as printers, painters and graphic artists, for in later years they were also council members, mayors, real estate and pharmacy owners. Some of the exhibits in the permanent exhibition naturally relate to these areas of their varied lives.
It all began in Dresden ...
September 27, 2025 - Februar 1, 2026
The exhibition shows works by a generation of artists who broke new ground in the 1950s. In Dresden, a group of young talents formed in opposition to the official art world. They rejected all styles after the Impressionist era.
At the center of this group was the painter Jürgen Böttcher, later known as Strawalde. He ran a drawing course in Dresden and encouraged his students to think independently. They included Ralf Winkler (later A. R. Penck), Peter Herrmann, Peter Makolies and Peter Graf.
The artists worked in groups such as the "Lücke" or the "Obergrabenpresse". Their paintings impress with their bold colors. The graphics, on the other hand, often appear dark and thoughtful.
They all share a free, new visual language. Expressive. Unadapted. Individual. The exhibition brings this period of artistic awakening back to life.
Please note that the museum will be closed from December 24, 2025, to January 9, 2026!
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Cranach House, Market 4
November - March
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sunday / holidays: 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm
April to October
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sunday / holidays: 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Cranach House (permanent exhibition & special exhibitions)
Adults: 7,00 €
Reduced: 5,00 €
Children: 0,50 €
groups from 10 persons: 5,00 € p.p.
Printers' Room:
The Printers' Room can be visited free of charge.
When purchasing a World HeritageCard, they receive free admission to the exhibition in the Cranach House, Markt 4, as well as many other museums in the region upon presentation of the card.
In addition to the exhibitions, the Cranach Foundation also offers the possibility of holding events at historical sites. Four event rooms, two gardens and a hostel are available for this purpose.
