Carl and Gerhart Hauptmann House in Szklarska Poręba
The Carl and Gerhart Hauptmann House (Dom Carla i Gerharta Hauptmannów) is a branch of the Karkonosze Museum in Jelenia Góra, located in the former home of the writer brothers Hauptmann at ul. 11 Listopada 23 in Szklarska Poręba. From 1 May to 30 September it is open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00–17:00, and on Wednesdays the permanent exhibitions are free.
What is the Hauptmann House?
It is a museum in the house where the writers Carl and Gerhart Hauptmann lived. Gerhart Hauptmann won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1912. The house was the heart of the former artists’ colony in Szklarska Poręba, and today the museum tells the story of the colony and the artistic heritage of the Karkonosze (Giant Mountains).
Which permanent exhibitions can you see?
- Gerhart Hauptmann — about the playwright and his links with the artists’ colony.
- Carl Hauptmann — about the elder brother and his role in the town’s cultural life.
- “Łukaszowcy” — about the St Luke’s Artists’ Association.
- Wlastimil Hofman Gallery — dedicated to the painter’s work.
- The post-war generation of the artists’ colony — artists active here after 1945.
- “Nowy Młyn” (New Mill) artists’ colony — the post-war colony.
The museum also shows temporary exhibitions and hosts events, for example during the European Heritage Days. Exhibition texts are mainly in Polish.
Is it a good idea on a rainy day?
Yes — the exhibitions are indoors. Just remember that the museum is closed on Mondays and the ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.