Struwwelpeter Museum Frankfurt: Tickets, Hours & Tips

“Struwwelpeter” is one of the best-known children’s books in the world — and few people know it comes from Frankfurt. The Frankfurt physician and poet Heinrich Hoffmann wrote it in 1844 as a Christmas present for his son. The Struwwelpeter and Heinrich Hoffmann Museum in the New Old Town is devoted to this classic and its versatile creator. Let me show you what awaits, when it’s open and why the visit is especially worthwhile for families.

Struwwelpeter and its inventor

Heinrich Hoffmann was far more than the author of a picture book: he was a doctor, psychiatrist and a formative Frankfurt figure of the 19th century. When he couldn’t find a suitable picture book for his three-year-old son, he simply created his own — with characters such as Struwwelpeter (Shock-headed Peter), Suppenkaspar, Zappelphilipp (Fidgety Philip) and Flying Robert. The book became a worldwide success, translated into countless languages.

The museum illuminates both sides: the world-famous “Struwwelpeter” and Hoffmann’s remarkable life as a physician and reformer. This makes it not only a children’s museum but also an interesting place for adults.

What awaits you in the museum

The museum shows rare book editions, illustrations, parodies and art around “Struwwelpeter” and its worldwide spread. You learn how the book came about, how it spread and how it is still interpreted and parodied today. For children there are child-friendly tours and hands-on activities that bring the stories to life — the book’s characters become tangible here.

The house is compact and can be explored comfortably in one to two hours. Especially combined with a wander through the New Old Town, it makes for a lovely family outing.

Opening hours (as of 2026)

• Tuesday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday: closed

Groups can sometimes come from 10 a.m. with prior notice. On public holidays the times may differ — check them shortly before your visit.

Admission and tickets

Tickets are available at the museum’s ticket counter or online. It’s best to check the exact current prices on the official website, as they can change. If you have the Frankfurt Card, you often get a discount on admission. For families, the museum is a comparatively affordable destination.

Getting there

The Struwwelpeter Museum is right in the New Old Town, at Hinter dem Lämmchen 2–4, 60311 Frankfurt am Main — only a few steps from the Römerberg and the cathedral. The most convenient way is by U-Bahn (Römer station, U4/U5) or tram. From there it’s only a few minutes’ walk. By car, parking in the old town is expensive — better to use the U-Bahn.

Practical tips for your visit

• Combine with the New Old Town: the museum is right in the Dom-Römer quarter — ideal for an old-town day with children.
• For families: ask about child-friendly tours and hands-on activities, especially at the weekend.
• Allow time: one to two hours is enough for a relaxed tour.
• Use the Frankfurt Card: it can reduce admission and is worthwhile if you visit several destinations.
• For adults too: the story of Heinrich Hoffmann as a doctor and reformer is surprisingly fascinating.
• Rainy-day tip: an ideal, weather-independent destination in the heart of the old town.

Is it worth it?

Yes — precisely because the museum makes a piece of Frankfurt and, at the same time, worldwide cultural history tangible. “Struwwelpeter” is one of the best-known children’s books of all, and it’s something special to discover its roots exactly where they arose. For families the house is a charming, manageable destination that combines perfectly with the New Old Town.

My advice: combine the visit with a walk across the Römerberg and through the New Old Town, take time for the stories and let yourself be surprised by how much more lies behind the famous shock-headed boy. That turns a short museum visit into a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in Frankfurt.