Bachhaus Eisenach

Museum der Neuen Bachgesellschaft e.V.

School programmes

Singing and dance in a museum? Surprising stories about Johann Sebastian Bach? “Punch-ups, prison, two wives and 20 children” – everything you need to know about Bachʼs life. “With quills and hog bristles” – not a trip to a farmyard, but instead an entertaining lesson about baroque musical instruments. And “May I have this dance please?” provides the chance to have fun learning how to dance Baroque-style.

The programmes at the Bachhaus are designed for various age groups from nursery school to secondary school. Individual events can also be arranged. The guided tours are given by the Museumʼs educational officers Uwe Fischer, a graduate in music teaching, and Michael Meissner M.A.

Description and prices

School programme, e.g. for school classes or groups of confirmation candidates
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Language: German
Group size: 10 - 30 people
Price: €7.50 per pupil/student (two accompanying adults free)
Bookable: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Booking: at info@bachhaus.de or tel. +49 (0) 3691 79340

Programme offers

1. Punch-ups, prison, two wives, 20 children: Human and genius

Biographical exhibition tour – audio examples of instrumental and vocal works – demonstration of original keyboard instruments (organ, clavichord, spinet, harpsichord). From 12 years old.

2. “Cabbage and turnips drove me away...”: Life in around 1700

Guided tour of the historical residential areas (kitchen, sitting room, bedroom, central hall) – clothes from the time around 1700 – lifestyle and diet then and now – demonstration of original keyboard instruments (organ, clavichord, spinet, harpsichord) – examination of the canon "Cabbage and turnips". 7-11 years.

3. “Bach Blossoms”: The Bach quiz

Humorous questionnaire to help visitors explore the exhibition independently – audio examples of Bach's works – demonstration of original keyboard instruments (organ, clavichord, spinet, harpsichord) – evaluation of the questionnaire. 9-13 years. Please bring pens and writing materials with you.

4. With quills and hog bristles: Musical instruments of the Baroque

A guided tour through the exhibition – introduction to musical instruments – the construction, function and sound properties of selected instruments – demonstration of original keyboard instruments (organ, clavichord, spinet, harpsichord) – special features of Baroque design. All age groups. Please bring pens and writing materials with you.

5. “What would Bach have said about that?”: Originals and arrangements

Demonstration of original keyboard instruments (organ, clavichord, spinet, harpsichord) – originals and arrangements – Bach in jazz, rock/pop and advertising – changes in audiences, conditions of reception and musical aesthetics. 14-18 years. An independent walk around the exhibition is recommended after this programme.

6. “May I have this dance please?”: Bach and the dance

Demonstration of dance movements on original keyboard instruments (organ, clavichord, spinet, harpsichord) – learning a Baroque dance (simple form of minuet). All age groups. An independent walk around the exhibition is recommended after this programme.

Programme 4: With quills and hog bristles – Musical instruments of the Baroque. Photo at top: programme 6. Photos: André Nestler.