Schumann House Düsseldorf – Step Into the Legacy of Robert & Clara

Did you know that two famous German composers—Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann—once worked as music directors in the city of Düsseldorf?

If you’re into classical music history, you’ve probably also heard of Robert Schumann’s wife, Clara Schumann. She was one of the most popular piano performers of her time, and their marriage was the talk of the town!

Even the young Johannes Brahms once visited their home in Düsseldorf and stayed with them for a short while.

The Schumann House takes you right back to the 19th century. Inside, you’ll find original works and personal items from the Schumanns, sharing their life and stories in Düsseldorf through these historical treasures.

Kitty’s personal moment of awe: I was blown away—so many legendary composers left their mark here! It felt like stepping straight into a real-life music history lesson!

Where is the Schumann House in Düsseldorf?

📍 Address: Bilker Str. 15, 40213 Düsseldorf

I’ve also put together a custom map with top sights in Düsseldorf—just tap the ★ star icon to save it to your own Google Maps for easy trip planning!

📖 This post about the Schumann House is an extension of my Düsseldorf travel guide. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out here 👉 Düsseldorf in a Day: Best Sights, Little Tokyo & Food Finds

Starting in 1852, the Schumann family lived at Bilker Straße 15 in Düsseldorf. They had moved around Germany, but this house is the only one that still preserves its original structure—a true witness to their life together. After being carefully restored according to historic preservation standards, it is now open to the public as a museum.

I didn’t know about the Schumann House before. I was walking through Düsseldorf toward the Rhine when I spotted this unusual piece of art on the street. Curious, I walked closer to take a look.

↓ This is what the entrance looks like:

How much time should you plan for your visit + Ticket Info

Since the museum wasn’t originally on our itinerary, I asked the staff how long a visit would take—I didn’t want to miss it!

She said the entrance fee is just €4 per person, and the space isn’t very large, so it doesn’t take long to see everything.

After walking through the museum myself, I’d say it’s quite small—budgeting an hour is more than enough to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.

Exhibits & Stories at the Schumann House in Düsseldorf

Robert Schumann’s Life and Legacy

Robert Schumann was a renowned composer who served as Düsseldorf’s music director from 1850 to 1854. That role brought the entire Schumann family—seven members in total—from Dresden to Düsseldorf.

Adjusting to life in the Rhineland wasn’t easy for them, especially right after the move. Even finding a place to live proved to be a challenge.

As municipal music director, Schumann was responsible for leading church performances and choirs, as well as conducting concerts with the city’s orchestra.

The early years in Düsseldorf were one of the high points in Schumann’s career. During this time, he composed one of his most famous works—Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97, also known as the Rhenish Symphony.

Schumann had long struggled with health issues. He had previously given up studying piano professionally due to a chronic condition in his right hand. While living in Düsseldorf, his mental health also began to decline, and this affected his work.

In 1853, during a particularly difficult time in both his health and career, a then-unknown Johannes Brahms visited the Schumanns. Introduced by a mutual friend, he stayed with them for a while and brought Schumann new inspiration. Schumann described him as “a genius,” while Clara said he was “as if sent by God.” That same year, Schumann wrote an article in a major music journal introducing the 20-year-old Brahms to the public.

Later that year, due to his worsening mental illness, Schumann could no longer fulfill his duties and was asked to step down from his position.

Still, in late 1853, he accompanied Clara on a concert tour in the Netherlands, where she performed many of his compositions. It was a huge success—one of his career highlights, as well as the final chapter.

In 1854, suffering from hallucinations and severe anxiety, Schumann silently left their home—now the Schumann House Museum—dressed in just a robe and slippers, and walked to the Rhine River to attempt suicide. Although he was rescued and admitted to a psychiatric hospital, he sadly passed away two years later, in 1856.

Clara Schumann’s Story and Personal Belongings

Clara Schumann was truly one of the most remarkable women in music history!

A child prodigy from a young age, Clara grew up to become a hugely popular pianist, a respected piano teacher, and a talented composer in her own right.

She was so admired that many families actually moved to the Rhineland just so their children could take piano lessons from her!

After reading her story and seeing the personal items on display, I was honestly in awe—Clara was a total 19th-century powerhouse. She gave birth to eight children, continued performing on tour and teaching, and after Robert passed away, she became the main breadwinner of the entire family.

From what I gathered from the exhibit panels, Clara was expected—like most women of her time—to stay home after marriage and fulfill her role as wife and mother. Especially after moving to Düsseldorf with five kids, she faced plenty of criticism and gossip. But Clara didn’t let that stop her. She kept performing, kept teaching, and followed the path she believed in.

By the way, Mendelssohn also served as Düsseldorf’s music director from 1833 to 1835—so he was like a senior figure in the same musical circle as Clara.

Starting in the fall of 1854, Clara took on full financial responsibility for the family on her own.

Final Thoughts

The Schumann House is beautifully preserved, both in its architecture and exhibits. Most displays come with English descriptions, making it easy to step into the world of this iconic musical couple and get a feel for their life stories. For me, this visit felt like a living music history lesson—highly recommended for anyone who loves classical music!

📍 Address: Bilker Str. 15, 40213 Düsseldorf
🎟️ Ticket info: €4 for adults (Free entry for under 18s)
🤩 Free entry after 4 PM!
⏱️ Recommended visit time: Around 1 hour (It’s a small museum)

👉 Money-saving tip: Plan your visit between 4 PM and 5 PM for free entry—then enjoy a relaxing walk by the Rhine River just afterward!

Opening hours
Tuesday – Friday	11am – 5pm
Saturday	1pm – 5pm
Sunday	11am – 5pm
Closed on Monday

Note: Ticket prices and opening hours may change. Please check the official website before you go.

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📖 This post is part of my larger Düsseldorf travel series. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out here
👉 Düsseldorf in a Day: Best Sights, Little Tokyo & Food Finds

📌 Looking for more day trips from Düsseldorf?

🚄 Cologne – Home to the world-famous Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. It’s just 20 minutes away by ICE train—perfect for a day trip!

📌 First time in Germany? Don’t miss:
First Time Traveling to Germany? 10 Essential Tips You Need! – Packed with practical advice to help you plan a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

Have a wonderful time exploring Germany! 🇩🇪✨