Alzheimer‘s Birthplace
The house where Alois Alzheimer was born dates back to the middle of the 19th century and comprises two floors, an attic and a vaulted cellar.
On the first floor is the museum room with exhibits relating to the life and work of Alois Alzheimer. The original wooden staircase leads to the upper floors. Today there is a conference room and smaller offices.
The vaulted cellar has also been modernized and offers the opportunity to linger thanks to heating and seating.
The original nameplate of the Alzheimer family still adorns the entrance door.
Exhibits
Living room
During the renovation of the house in the mid-1990s, the living room on the first floor was furnished in the style prevalent at the turn of the century. Today, it houses fascinating exhibits relating to the work and life of Alois Alzheimer.
One of the central pieces is the original microscope, which, unlike modern microscopes, still works with a daylight lens. The collection also includes microscope slides with brain slices from Auguste Deter, showing the protein deposits typical of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Another valuable document is Auguste Deter's patient file, available as a facsimile, containing the handwritten admission report by Alois Alzheimer and other examination notes.
Additionally, an original print of Alzheimer's doctoral thesis "On the Earwax Gland", his walking stick with coat of arms and engraving, and a beaver blanket, which Alois Alzheimer used to warm his feet during his daily shave, can also be admired.
Wardrobe with exhibits in the livingroom
Alzheimer's original microscope
Lilly‘s Engagement
Until1989, little was known about the Birthplace of Alois Alzheimer. It was only that year, during a scientific event on the occasion of his 125th birthday, that the house was identified and adorned with a commemorative sign.
In 1995, the pharmaceutical company Lilly acquired the house, had it renovated, and commissioned curators to transform the birthplace into a museum and conference center.
Lilly has been involved in Alzheimer's disease for more than 35 years. By preserving the birthplace, Lilly pays tribute to the life and pioneering work of Alois Alzheimer and wants to create a place of exchange.
Commemerative plate on the exterior, right of the entrance