Ludwig Erhard Center

Understand the economy, shape the future!

Ludwig Erhard is one of the most important personages of German post-war history. The first Federal Minister of Economy and second Federal Chancellor is deeply rooted in people’s collective memory as the “father of the German economic miracle”. To this day, his concept of the social market economy stands for the success and prosperity of our society.

In Fürth, Erhard’s native city, the Ludwig Erhard Zentrum (LEZ) has established a unique center for documentation for Ludwig Erhard and his concept of the social market economy, featuring exhibitions, promoting research projects and serving as a meeting place.

The center is consisting of the birth place of Ludwig Erhard and a striking new building directly accross from it.

On roughly 1,200 m2, the permanent exhibition invites people to become acquainted with the person of Ludwig Erhard, discover contemporary history, and learn about the social market economy. Interesting exhibits, exciting stagings, and interactive media stations make our topics come alive for young and old alike. In our special exhibition area, there are new topics to discover on a regular basis – a reason for coming to the LEZ time and again!

The Ludwig Erhard Zentrum (LEZ) is an interactive learning center and open space of interchange about contemporary history, economy, and politics. We wish to familiarize the general public with the fundamental and current significance of Ludwig Erhard’s economic, social, and financial politics, and discuss the practical political and social implications of a social market economy, as defined by him.

Our exhibitions, events, and educational museum program intend to help young people understand the economic interrelationships of their living environment, to be able to manage their economic activities competently and autonomously, and to be motivated to start their own careers as entrepreneurs.


During the holidays the Ludwig Erhard Zentrum will be closed from 22. December to 9. January 2023.