Finding Luther – Archaeologists on the Reformer´s trail

Special Exhibition – October 31, 2008 – April 26, 2009

State Museum of Prehistory Halle, Germany

When Martin Luther (1483–1546), an Augustinian monk and professor of theology, posted his 95 theses in Wittenberg (Central Germany) he could not imagine that this act would alter the course of history. October 31st 1517 marked the beginning of the Reformation movement which led to the establishment of the Protestant churches throughout the world.

Despite the extraordinary importance of the Reformer little has been known about his daily life as a private person. This situation has been changed completely thanks to recent excavations by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt. Spectacular finds from Luther’s birth place at Eisleben, his parental home at Mansfeld and his later family estate at Wittenberg provide us with a wealth of new insights into the Reformer’s living conditions.

The variety of finds covers a great range of Luther’s lifespan: From toys which give us a lively impression of his childhood to vessels for ointments that grant access to the medical history of his old age. Thousands of animal bones provide us with important hints on his preferred meals and a vast amount of potsherds allow us to reconstruct his elaborate table ware.

The outstanding archaeological finds will be presented in a large special exhibition in Halle/Germany for the first time. The show will be completed by Martin Luther’s still existing personal items, like his expensive goblets or his monk’s habit.

The team of the Landesmuseum (State Museum of Prehistory) looks forward to welcome you in Halle.

Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte (State Museum of Prehistory)  Richard-Wagner-Straße 9 •  D-06114 Halle/Saale (Germany)      

Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday (+Holidays) 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.   

Monday only advanced reservation

phone 0049 (0)345 52 47 361