Sights in Leipzig
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Bach-Museum Leipzig
Completely updated, this interactive museum does more than tell you about the life and accomplishments of heavyweight musician Johann Sebastian Bach. Learn how to date a Bach manuscript, listen to baroque instruments or treat your ears to any composition he ever wrote. The 'treasure room' downstairs displays original manuscripts and precious family Bibles.
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Völkerschlachtdenkmal
Half a million soldiers fought – and one in five died – in the epic 1813 battle that led to the decisive victory of Prussian, Austrian and Russian forces over Napoleon’s army. Built a century later near the killing fields, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations is a 91m colossus, towering sombrely like something straight out of Gotham City. Views from the top are monumental. If you need to bone up on your history, swing by the integrated Forum 1813 exhibit first.
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Stadtgeschichtliches Museum
Leipzig's beautiful Renaissance town hall is an atmospheric setting to recount the twists and turns of the city's history from its roots as a key medieval trading town to the present, including stops at the Battle of the Nations and the 1989 peaceful revolution. A nearby modern extension, the Neubau presents themed temporary exhibits.
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Statue of Richard Wagner
The behemoth, functional Opernhaus (opera house; 1956-60) is backed by a little park with a pond and a statue of Richard Wagner.
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Museum für Völkerkunde
At the Museum für Völkerkunde you can plunge into an eye-opening journey through the cultures of the world.
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Mendelssohn-Haus
One of the world-famous composer, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy lived (and died) in the Mendelssohn-Haus.
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Opern-Haus
The functional 1956–60 Opern-haus has a statue of Richard Wagner out the back.
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Statue of Goethe
In front of the Naschmarkt is a 1903 statue of Goethe, showing him as a young law student at Leipzig University.
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Petersbogen
A glorious new, glass-covered arcade, where you'll find Leipzig's Casino upstairs.
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Panorama Restaurant
Look down on all you survey from this posh 120m-high gastro rendezvous.
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Zoo Leipzig
One of Germany's most progressive zoos opened its newest attraction in 2011: Gondwanaland, a jungly wonderland of 17,000 plants and 300 exotic animals. Rare and endangered species such as Komodo dragons and pigmy hippos roam around spacious enclosures in a climate-controlled hall amid fragrant tropical plants. Explore by following a jungle path, a treetop trail or by drifting along in a boat.
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Zeitgeschichtliches Forum
This fascinating exhibit tells the political history of the GDR from division and dictatorship to fall-of-the-Wall ecstasy and post-Wende blues. It's essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the late country's political power apparatus, the systematic oppression of regime critics, milestones in inter-German and international relations and the opposition movement that led to its downfall.
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Stadtgeschichtliches Museum - Neubau
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Richard-Wagner-Museum
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Mendelssohn-Haus
A key figure of the Romantic age, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy was appointed music director of the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester in 1835 and held the position until shortly before his sudden death at age 38. Learn more in this intimate exhibit in the Biedermeier-furnished apartment where he lived with his family.
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Augustusplatz
Massive Augustusplatz may look nondescript at best, forboding at worst, but is actually flanked by some of Leipzig's most famous buildings, including the Gewandhaus and the opera house. On its western front, the 11-story Kroch-Haus was Leipzig's first high-rise and it's topped by a clock and two buff sentries. Inside is a university-run collection of Egyptian art. More eyecatching is the glass-fronted Paulinum, the university church, which is taking shape in the same spot as the medieval Paulinerkirche that was demolished in 1968 by GDR authorities. The boldly modern structure is by Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat. For sweeping city views, ride the lift to the 29th…
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Schumann-Haus
The 'Spring Symphony' is among the works Robert Schumann composed in this house where he and his wife, pianist Clara Wieck, spent their first four years of marriage. A small exhibit provides background on the personal life and achievements of this famous musician couple.
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