Francke Foundations
From a baroque school town to a unique educational cosmos
The Francke Foundations are a place of learning and togetherness steeped in history. August Hermann Francke founded a school for the poor here in 1698. His good deed and pietistic values gave rise to a school town in the centre of Halle (Saale). Over 50 educational institutions are gathered here: With a scenery library, plant garden and city choir, they create a unique cultural and scientific institution of European standing. The historic orphanage is still the heart of the foundations today: Here you can discover special and permanent exhibitions, admire treasures in the art and natural history collection and celebrate festivals.
Franckeplatz 1 House 28, 06110, Halle (Saale)
Member of the Halle Museum Network
part of the Halle Card
Audio Guide
Events
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays: 10:00-17:00
News
- Annual exhibition: ‘300 Years of Curiosity. Hidden Knowledge from the Cabinet of Curiosities’ (11 May 2025 to 10 May 2026)
- Cabinet exhibition: ‘The Reference Library of the Cabinet of Art and Natural History’ (10 September 2025 to 6 April 2026)
- A museum workshop for stories, objects and perspectives: ‘World views in front of the Chamber of Art and Natural History’ (27 September 2025 to 1 February 2026)
- Permanent exhibition: "Francke in transition"
- Permanent exhibition: "Historical orphanage"
- Permanent exhibition: "Chamber of Art and Natural History"
- Permanent exhibition: "Backdrop library"
- Permanent exhibition: "Pietism Cabinet"
- Permanent exhibition: "Tour of the cultural monument"
- Permanent exhibition: "Orphanage Cabinet"
More information
Simply see more with the Halle Card
The Halle Card opens the door to twelve excellent museums, includes a guided tour of the beautiful historic city centre and a visit to Germany's only Zoo of Halle. Free travel by bus and train allows you to explore the city in a comfortable and environmentally friendly way.
Further information and tickets here.
Member of the "Hallesche Museen Schlüsselbund" campaign
1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026
As part of the museum network's "Hallesche Museen Schlüsselbund" campaign, visitors pay 1x the full admission price and 11x the reduced price. They also receive a sticker with their ticket at each museum they visit, which they stick onto a collection card with a map of all the museums. Anyone who has managed to collect all the keys will receive the Golden Key of the Museum Network in May 2026, which entitles them to free admission to all participating museums for one year.
Further information here.
