How long does the workshop last?

The event lasts about 120 minutes and provides a hands-on introduction to the topic.

What is the cost of participation?

The fee for the workshop is 3 euros per person.

Do I need to register in advance?

No, it is a public event without registration.

Where does the workshop take place?

At the Historical Museum Bamberg at Domplatz 7 in 96049 Bamberg.

Is the event suitable for art and literature enthusiasts?

Yes, the workshop connects E.T.A. Hoffmann, the art fairy tale The Golden Pot, and craftsmanship with gold leaf.

Is there official information about the museum and visiting?

Yes, the current information on opening hours, access, and offerings is available on the Historical Museum Bamberg's website.

Gold, Romanticism, and Hoffmann: A small door knob becomes a great artistic moment

Name: Gilding the Apple Woman
Start: 2026-06-21T16:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-06-21T18:00:00+02:00
Location: Historisches Museum Bamberg

A golden workshop moment in the spirit of E.T.A. Hoffmann

In the Historical Museum Bamberg, a small door knob transforms into a grand artistic experience: The workshop Gilding the “Apple Woman” immerses participants in the fantastic imagery of E.T.A. Hoffmann and his art fairy tale The Golden Pot. With gold leaf, craftsmanship, and literary imagination, an aesthetic experience unfolds that sensually connects literary history, local history, and museum education.

Between Romanticism, Riddles, and Materiality

The famous door knob of the Apple Woman is one of those Bamberg objects that transcend their mere material value. It condenses the atmosphere of Romanticism, where reality and fantasy blend. In the workshop, doppelgängers of this motif will be covered with real gold leaf. This material introduces shine, reflections, and a refined physicality, making visible the close connection between craftsmanship and storytelling.

E.T.A. Hoffmann as a Bamberg Memorial Figure

Hoffmann lived in Bamberg from 1808 to 1813; these years profoundly shaped his work. The art fairy tale The Golden Pot is considered one of his most famous works, showcasing the floating tension between the everyday and magic that made Hoffmann famous. The Apple Woman, inspired by the door knob at Eisgrube 14, became an icon of this poetic transformation. In the museum, this literary trace transforms into immediate contemplation of the work.

A Workshop with Cultural Depth

The event is aimed at everyone who wants to not only observe art but understand it. The workshop combines historical contexts, practical craftsmanship, and cultural education. Particularly in the interplay of the original motif, gold leaf, and museum space, an approach is created that is vivid, accessible, and at the same time art-historically grounded. The exhibition atmosphere of the Historical Museum Bamberg provides the ideal setting for this.

Why the Visit is Worth It

Those who read about Bamberg through Hoffmann experience the city anew. Those who gild the Apple Woman discover how strongly a single object can bundle memories, myths, and literature. This workshop promises not just a mere crafting session but an inspiring encounter with Romanticism, storytelling in space, and the unique aura of a museum that conveys history vividly.

Conclusion: Gilding the “Apple Woman” is a small format with a great impact: closely tied to art, literary, sensual, and perfectly suited for all who wish to experience E.T.A. Hoffmann and Bamberg in a new way. A visit to the Historical Museum Bamberg is definitely worthwhile.