Museum Statement: The Karl May Museum is a unique centre of education, experience and place of longing for the cultural legacy of author Karl May (1842 – 1912). The Karl May Foundation, as the legitimate heir of Karl May, is responsible for the Museum and its operations. At the domain of the famous writer, the cultural institution preserves, researches, documents and communicates his literary and private estate and the ethnographic collections of his second wife Klara May and artist Patty Frank.
We are committed to the educational task of preserving, maintaining, teaching and spreading the memory of Karl May, his life and work, dedicated to spreading tolerance, intercultural understanding, respect and love of peace. In particular May’s travel tales have made a significant contribution to interest in other cultures in German-speaking countries.
Based on May’s life, literary works and cultural heritage, the Museum and its exhibitions, events and educational programs, the Museum is a centre for storytelling and intercultural understanding. We view ourselves as multipliers of Karl May’s values, a source of inspiration and a venue for dialogue.

collections 

The collection of the Karl May Museum is largely based on the property of Karl and Klara May, but includes the private collection of artist Patty Frank and other acquisitions and donations from private individuals. Besides the impressive literary and private estate of author Karl May, the museum also houses a unique ethnographic collection.
The ethnographic collection contains 4,000 ethnographic items from all around the world (1,800 items from North America in the period between the 18th and 21st centuries). In addition there are approximately 1,800 art works and everyday items from various cultural regions of the indigenous population of North America.
Finally, there are a wide range of historical photographs, documents, paintings, prints and drawings, primarily on the cultural history of North America, 16 historical costumed figures and a collection of historical firearms.

Regions Included in North American Collections

Collection Highlights

The documentation of our collection is in progress until 2021. The largest part of our North American items are from the Plains-Region.

Resources

Contact for research requests:
Head of Collection
Robin Leipold
Telephone: + 49 (0) 351 83730-39
E-mail: robin.leipold@karl-may-museum.de

Questions and Inquiries

Requests for loans, partnerships, cultural exchange programs:
Dr Christian Wacker
Museum Director & Managing Director
Telephone: + 49 (0) 351 837 30-11
E-mail: christian.wacker@karl-may-museum.de

Contact