Opened in December 2023, the Robert Schumann-Haus invites you to relive the past. This building at Bilker Straße 15 was home to Clara and Robert Schumann and their children starting in 1852. It is the only family home that retains its original historical structure. The building was carefully renovated. It became a museum due to its special significance.
The Robert Schumann-Haus offers eight themed rooms. Visitors can immerse themselves in 19th-century musical culture. They can explore Robert and Clara Schumann’s life and work during their Düsseldorf years.
The Schumanns moved to Düsseldorf in December 1850. Robert Schumann became the city’s music director. They were welcomed with admiration. However, finding a suitable apartment was difficult. Their first apartment was expensive and noisy. Robert struggled to compose there. Clara was bothered by rude craftsmen.
In July 1851, the family moved to a more spacious apartment. Unfortunately, they had to move again in April 1852. After a short stay, they found a generous flat on Bilker Straße. Clara finally had her own working room. It was far enough from Robert’s. She could practice piano without disturbing him. She also found time to compose again. This is the Robert Schumann-Haus we see today.
Clara gave concerts in Düsseldorf and surrounding cities. She received good reviews. Students came from Weimar, Braunschweig, and Hamburg to take piano lessons from her. The Schumanns’ friends included painters, doctors, and historians. Two of their children, Eugenie and Felix, were born in Düsseldorf.
Robert Schumann’s condition worsened in 1852. He conducted a concert in May 1853. The orchestra management then restricted him to conducting only his own works. Consequently, he effectively quit. He then started a concert tour to Holland with Clara.
Before the tour, Robert met Johannes Brahms. This was on the recommendation of Joseph Joachim. Brahms made a lasting impression. Schumann wrote the essay “Neue Bahnen”. He promoted the young composer to publishers in Leipzig.
In February 1854, Robert attempted suicide. He was admitted to a sanatorium in Bonn-Endenich. Clara was pregnant at the time. Felix was born in June 1854. He never met his father. Johannes Brahms became very important to Clara. He supported her and visited Robert. He also cared for the housekeeping and children when Clara was away.
Clara resumed her concert tours to support the family. Doctors forbade her from visiting her husband. She last saw him two days before his death.
After Robert’s death, Clara moved with her children. On October 1st, 1857, she left Düsseldorf. She put that chapter of her life behind her. At 36, Clara was a widow with seven children. She had to cope with the loss of her beloved husband.
Today, the Robert Schumann-Haus stands as a monument to their lives. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. It is also open Saturday and Sunday. Admission is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros reduced. Children and young people up to 18 years enter free. On Sundays, admission is free for everyone. The Robert Schumann-Haus preserves the legacy of two musical giants.