Birth house Nikolaus von Kues
Cusanus birthplace in Bernkastel-Kues
Nikolaus von Kues, philosopher, theologian and mathematician, was born in 1401 in this house on the Nikolausufer in the Kues district. The original building no longer exists: in 1570 it was rebuilt as a Renaissance building over the foundation walls, with a hipped roof, battlements, stair tower and barrel vaults on the first floor.
Until 1681, it belonged to the St. Nicholas Hospital, after which it became private property. In the 1970s, the Cusanus Society acquired the house, which was threatened by decay, and renovated it in the style of the new building from 1570. Today, it is owned by the town of Bernkastel-Kues and is used by the Cusanus Society as a museum and event venue.
On the upper floor, the permanent exhibition “Nikolaus von Kues 1401-1464: Life and Work in Pictures” shows important stages of his life and commemorates, among other things, the completion of his main work “De docta ignorantia” in 1440. The offer is supplemented by changing art exhibitions.
Barrier-free information
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - accessible for people with walking disabilities".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- There is a parking space for people with disabilities.
- All rooms and facilities that are accessible to guests are step-free/at ground level or accessible via an elevator.
- All doors/passages and paths that are accessible to guests are at least 70 cm wide.
- The cash desk is 75 cm high.
- Most exhibits and information are visible while seated.
- Seating is available.
- There is a public toilet for people with disabilities, which is accessible from both sides (at least 80 cm). There are folding grab rails to the left and right of the toilet.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- There is no alarm.
- There is no audio induction loop system.
- An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed audibly.
- In the permanent exhibition, the information is conveyed in written form.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- All areas accessible to guests are brightly lit without glare.
- Some signage is designed with easy-to-read, high-contrast lettering.
- An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed acoustically. The stopping position is announced by voice. The controls are tactile.
- Stair steps are not designed with high visual contrast.
- In the permanent exhibition, information is provided in writing, in high-contrast font.
- Information is not available in relief or Braille.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- The name of the house is clearly recognizable from the outside.
- In the permanent exhibition, the information is conveyed in written form.
- There is no information in easy language.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Image gallery
Cusanus Birthplace, 2nd floor
(Wein- und Ferienregion Bernkastel-Kues GmbH)
House where Nikolaus von Kues was born
(Sandra Hamer)