Literature exists on paper; it requires readers who engage with it. The Kurt Tucholsky Literature Museum aims to transform the encounter with literature—and its author—into a vivid experience. For us, Kurt Tucholsky is not an untouchable icon placed on a pedestal. We listen to him, draw inspiration from his work, occasionally marvel at his far-sightedness, and recognize his limitations. The museum invites visitors to become "literary tourists," immersing themselves in the world of Kurt Tucholsky’s writing, exploring the author and his era, and drawing connections to the present day.

The Kurt Tucholsky Literature Museum was founded by Dr. Detlev Fuchs on January 9, 1989—coinciding with Tucholsky’s 99th birthday and in anticipation of the celebrations for his centenary. Dr. Fuchs, who had been working at the palace since 1987 and later served as a curator for the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation from 2003 until his retirement in 2018, also established the museum’s gallery spaces and curated several exhibitions between 1991 and 1993. As early as 1987, he began assembling the museum’s collection and its scholarly library. In April 1993, Dr. Peter Böthig assumed leadership of the museum. Over the years, Dr. Böthig has built a collection comprising more than 10,000 archival items—the second-largest collection of manuscripts, first editions, and original materials related to Kurt Tucholsky in Germany. Until his retirement in 2024, he played a decisive role in shaping the museum, transforming it into a place that does not “merely” commemorate the life and work of Kurt Tucholsky, but also establishes connections to contemporary German-language literature. Since 1991, the museum has hosted countless readings and exhibitions; furthermore, the writer Ricarda Messner—the 64th “town writer” (Stadtschreiberin) to hold the position in Rheinsberg—was in residence there from July to October 2026.

The museum’s current team continues the work initiated by Dr. Detlev Fuchs and Dr. Peter Böthig, developing new modes of engagement to keep the memory of Kurt Tucholsky alive.

Collection of the Kurt Tucholsky Literature Museum on museum-digital