Circle of Friends, Kleist Museum Frankfurt (Oder)

President: Martin Patzelt

The circle of friends was constituted in 1992 as an association of friends of Kleist, literature, museums and art. Its current members come from Germany, France, Poland, Austria, Japan and the USA. It backs the interests of the only museum – founded in 1969 as the Kleist Memorial and Research Site, and renewed in 2000 – that is dedicated to the German novella writer, dramatist and journalist Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811), the most famous son of the City of Frankfurt (Oder). Frankfurt has given itself the additional name"Kleist City” since 1998. The museum shows a permanent exhibition on the poet’s life, work and impact. It collects and archives books, hand-written documents, theatralia, and works of fine art and music, as well as any other objects relevant to Kleist’s biography and oeuvre. It issues publications, initiates special exhibitions, and organises a lively programme of events (incl. an annual Kleist festival). Members of the circle of friends support the museum’s work with their subscriptions and donations – in the form of money or items for the collection, and they facilitate additional acquisitions and publishing activities – one important series is the “Frankfurter Buntbücher” – for which the museum’s budget proves inadequate. The circle of friends is also involved in the preservation of Kleist’s legacy in an ideal sense. Individuals or legal entities in Germany and abroad can join the circle of friends; the intention should be submitted to the board in writing. The annual subscription is 25 €. Members of the circle of friends enjoy free entry to the Kleist Museum and each year they receive at least one of the museum’s publications free of charge.  

Martin Patzelt