James Krüss Tower

— Closed until 30 May 2026 due to construction works. — 

After James Krüss's death, his heirs donated his literary estate to the International Youth Library, including all his novel manuscripts, notes, letters, photographs, diaries and other personal documents. One of the four medieval towers of Blutenburg Castle was then converted into a small literary museum and opened on 31 May 2001 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary as the James Krüss Tower. Inside is a glass display tower with steps leading from platform to platform. The light steel construction is somewhat reminiscent of the interior of a lighthouse, a leitmotif in Krüss' stories and a tribute to his birthplace, the North Sea island of Heligoland. Until now, the display cases have contained books, original manuscripts and numerous collectibles from the author's estate.

After 25 years, the permanent exhibition has been redesigned and completely revised by literary scholar and experienced children's exhibition curator Christina Lemmen. The redesign of the James Krüss Tower is based on her suggestions for children's and museum education.

The grand reopening on 31 May 2026 at 2p.m. will be accompanied by a celebration for families. Please see here for further information.